100,000 Illegal Live Cockroaches Seized in Record Australian Operation

In Wellington, New Zealand, officials have confiscated over 100,000 live cockroaches from a single breeder in Australia. This marks the country’s largest seizure of exotic invertebrates. The collection, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches and dubia cockroaches, is valued at 200,000 Australian dollars, approximately $142,000 USD. The operation took place in May at a breeding facility in Bathurst, New South Wales.

The Madagascar hissing cockroach is among the world’s largest, measuring 2 to 3 inches (5 to 8 centimeters) long. Photos depict the shiny, brown cockroach dwarfing a human finger in size. In comparison, the Australian cockroach typically ranges from 0.9 to 1.4 inches (2.3 to 3.6 centimeters) in length. Australia, known for its sub-tropical climate, hosts hundreds of cockroach species.

Stefanie Lesser, a snake catcher in Bathurst, mentioned that exotic cockroaches are likely sold as reptile food due to their size, requiring fewer insects per meal. Officials recommend crickets or wood roaches for feeding lizards instead. Both Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches are illegal to import, keep, or sell in Australia under any circumstances.

Australia enforces strict biosecurity measures to protect its agriculture, horticulture, and wildlife from invasive pests. Importing undeclared organisms can result in hefty fines. Exotic cockroaches have not undergone environmental risk assessments, raising concerns about disease transmission or threats to native species.

The authorities emphasize that possession of these invertebrates can lead to legal action. Although no charges were pressed against the Bathurst breeder, the confiscated cockroaches will be euthanized.