U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at Los Angeles International Airport intercepted a shipment containing 37 live beetles concealed inside packages of Japanese snacks, chocolate, and potato chips. The beetles, valued at $1,480, posed a potential threat to U.S. agriculture. The CBP emphasized the importance of preventing the introduction of exotic insects, which can become pests and damage crops and forests.
Last month, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials at the Los Angeles International Airport intercepted dozens of live beetles disguised as Japanese snacks. Agriculture specialists stationed at LAX discovered 37 live beetles concealed within packages of Japanese snacks, chocolate, and potato chips, according to the CBP. The illicit cargo was seized during a physical inspection of a shipment arriving from Japan via air cargo, as officials detailed in a statement.
The items were valued at $1,480. 'They may appear harmless, but in reality, smuggled beetles pose a significant threat to our vital agricultural resources,' stated Cheryl M. Davies, CBP Director of Field Operations in Los Angeles. 'Beetles can become a serious pest by consuming plants, leaves, and roots, and by laying eggs on tree bark, which damages our forests.' The CBP indicated that exotic insects are frequently sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Illegally trading exotic insects online and through underground channels can be highly profitable.Importing live insects into the United States necessitates a U.S. Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Inspection Service Plant Protection and Quarantine (PPQ) permit or a letter issued by the PPQ Plants, Pathogens and Biocontrol unit, as officials explained. The live beetles were transferred to USDA officials, who will determine their final disposition. The CBP stated that the beetles are likely to be donated to local zoos that possess permits for live insects or preserved in collections. 'CBP agriculture specialists combine their scientific understanding of harmful pests and plant diseases with their expertise in detecting and intercepting these threats before they enter our country,' said Andrew H. Douglas, CBP LAX Port Director. 'We are immensely proud of their contributions to our national security mission.'
Beetles Smuggling Agriculture LAX U.S. Customs And Border Protection
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