Australia Seizes Over 100,000 Illegal Cockroaches in Record Exotic Insect Bust

In one of the biggest actions of its kind, authorities in Australia have seized more than 100,000 live cockroaches that were being illegally bred and kept by a commercial breeder in New South Wales .

The massive haul was recovered from a property in Bathurst and included exotic species such as Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches , with officials estimating their value at around 200,000 Australian dollars .

According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water , both species are strictly prohibited in the country and cannot be imported, kept, bred, or sold under any circumstances.

Authorities described the operation as the largest seizure of exotic invertebrates in the country’s history. The Madagascar hissing cockroach , one of the world’s largest species, can grow up to 2 to 3 inches in length, far bigger than common local varieties.

Officials believe the insects were likely being bred as a low-cost reptile food source , as larger cockroaches reduce the number needed per feeding. However, experts warned that introducing such species outside strict controls could pose risks to native wildlife and agriculture .

Australia enforces some of the world’s strictest biosecurity laws to protect its environment and farming sector. Authorities warned that illegal import or possession of such species can lead to heavy penalties.

The seized insects are set to be euthanised as part of standard biosecurity procedures. While no charges have been filed yet against the breeder, officials said investigations and possible prosecutions may follow.