Australia Seizes 100,000 Illegal Cockroaches Worth $200,000

Australian authorities have seized more than 100,000 prohibited cockroaches in the country's largest-ever confiscation of exotic invertebrates.

The insects, valued at around A$200,000 (US$142,000), were discovered at a commercial breeding facility in New South Wales, according to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Among the species seized were Dubia cockroaches and Madagascar hissing cockroaches, both of which are banned from being imported, bred, or sold in Australia.

Officials warned that the insects could pose a serious threat to native wildlife and agriculture if they became established in the wild.

Authorities have also cautioned pet shop owners and reptile breeders that possessing or trading prohibited insect species could result in significant penalties.