Police Bust Alleged ‘Cockroach Kingpin’ in Australia’s Biggest Bug Raid Ever
WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Organized crime has officially reached a new low.
Authorities in Australia say they have confiscated more than 100,000 illegal cockroaches from a single commercial breeder in what is being described as the largest seizure of exotic insects in the nation’s history. The haul, valued at roughly $142,000 U.S., included thousands of Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches—species that are illegal to import, breed, or sell in Australia because of the potential risk they pose to the country’s unique ecosystem.
Officials say the insects were discovered during a raid on a breeding operation in Bathurst, New South Wales. While the average person might run screaming from a single cockroach, investigators somehow managed to count well over 100,000 of them.
At that point, it’s less of a bug problem and more of a zip code.
Wildlife officials believe many of the giant roaches were likely being sold as food for pet reptiles because their larger size makes feeding snakes and lizards more economical. Australia, however, has some of the world’s strictest biosecurity laws, and these exotic species are considered too risky to be released—or even accidentally escape—into the wild.
Oddly enough, no criminal charges were filed against the breeder, although authorities said the confiscated insects will be humanely destroyed.
The story quickly became internet comedy material.
One commenter wrote:
“Imagine being the officer whose job was to count them.”
Another asked:
“Did they read each one its rights?”
And perhaps the best comment of all:
“The police finally got the head of the Cockroach Crime Family… Don Blatticelli.”
Meanwhile, investigators reportedly found no evidence that the insects had formed a labor union, established a city council, or elected a mayor.
Although with 100,000 residents, they were getting pretty close.
Authorities hope the record seizure sends a message to anyone considering the illegal trade in exotic insects.
Because if you’re planning a life of crime…
There are probably easier ways to make a living than becoming Australia’s most wanted cockroach dealer.
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