Over three dozen reside beetles hid inside packages of Japanese snacks had been found by US Customs and Border Protection on the Los Angeles International Airport final month.
According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, agriculture specialists discovered 37 of those bugs inside packages of potato chips and chocolate throughout a bodily examination of a cargo arriving from Japan by way of air cargo.
“They may look harmless but in reality, smuggled beetles pose a significant threat to our vital agriculture resources,” stated Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. “Beetles can become a serious pest by eating plants, leaves, and roots and by laying eggs on tree bark which damages our forests.”
The beetles had been turned over to USDA officers who will decide their remaining vacation spot. They will possible be donated to native zoos which have permits for such reside bugs or protect them for native insect assortment.
According to the CBP, importing reside bugs into the U.S., requires a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Animal and Plant Inspection Service (APHIS) Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) allow, or a letter issued by PPQ Plants, Pathogens and Biocontrol unit.
“CBP agriculture specialists combine their scientific knowledge of harmful pests and plant diseases with their expertise in detecting and intercepting these threats before their enter our country,” stated Andrew H. Douglas, CBP LAX Port Director. “We are very proud of their contributions to our national security mission.”
Exotic bugs are sometimes wanted by collectors and fans, CBP stated. The contraband was valued at $1,480 US {dollars}.