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More than 100,000 cockroaches were seized in rural Australia after wildlife officers in Bathurst uncovered the massive, illegal breeding ring
The Australian environment department raided the commercial facility today, 5 June, uncovering Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches valued at AUD200,000 (RM572,000).
According to the New Straits Times, the insects were bred as lucrative exotic pets and lizard snacks.
Photos shared by officials showed one Madagascar cockroach large enough to completely cover an adult's palm
This illegal trade forced authorities to focus on protecting biodiversity, enforcing environmental laws, and stopping illegal breeders.
"We take our job protecting Australia's unique biodiversity and handling breaches of national environmental law very seriously," an environment department spokesperson said.
The illicit trade poses a significant threat to local biosecurity
"We're seeing illegal breeding and trading of exotic cockroaches and we're putting pet businesses and pet owners on notice," the spokesperson added.
Officials now face the unenviable task of euthanising the entire haul.
