Coverage dated February 4, 2025 to February 6, 2025

37 live giant beetles found inside Japanese snack packets at LAX

Headline from ABC 7 Los Angeles

At least 37 giant live beetles measuring have been found concealed inside of multiple packages of Japanese snacks, potato chips and chocolate at LAX.

ABC 7 Los Angeles's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

Read the reports

Reports & sources

14 articles, oldest first.

NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth
Over three dozen live beetles concealed in Japanese snack packages seized at Los Angeles airport (opens NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth)
Published Feb 4, 2025
NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth's feed description
Over three dozen live beetles concealed inside packages of Japanese snacks were discovered by US Customs and Border Protection at the Los Angeles International...
Newsweek
Dozens of live beetles "disguised as snacks" seized at LAX (opens Newsweek)
Published Feb 4, 2025
Newsweek's feed description
Thirty-seven insects were found in a shipment from Japan to Los Angeles International Airport last month, Customs and Border Protection reports.
NBC Los Angeles
Over three dozen live beetles concealed in Japanese snack packages seized at LAX (opens NBC Los Angeles)
Published Feb 4, 2025
NBC Los Angeles's feed description
Over three dozen live beetles concealed inside packages of Japanese snacks were discovered by US Customs and Border Protection at the Los Angeles International...
Foxla
37 giant live beetles disguised as Japanese snacks seized at LAX (opens Foxla)
Published Feb 4, 2025
Foxla's feed description
The exotic beetles are worth an estimated $1,500, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.
ABC 7 Los Angeles
37 live giant beetles found inside Japanese snack packets at LAX (opens ABC 7 Los Angeles)
Published Feb 6, 2025
ABC 7 Los Angeles's feed description
At least 37 giant live beetles measuring have been found concealed inside of multiple packages of Japanese snacks, potato chips and chocolate at LAX.
KEYT Santa Barbara
Agriculture officials seize 37 live beetles disguised as Japanese snacks at LAX (opens KEYT Santa Barbara)
Published Feb 5, 2025
KEYT Santa Barbara's feed description
By Chelsea Hylton Click here for updates on this story LOS ANGELES (KCAL, KCBS) -- Dozens of live beetles disguised as Japanese
Los Angeles Times
Smuggled live beetles found stashed inside Japanese snacks at LAX, officials say (opens Los Angeles Times)
Published Feb 5, 2025
Los Angeles Times's feed description
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agriculture specialists found 37 giant live beetles stashed inside an air cargo shipment that had arrived in California from Japan.
KESQ Palm Springs
Live beetles being smuggled in Japanese snacks intercepted at LAX (opens KESQ Palm Springs)
Published Feb 5, 2025
KESQ Palm Springs's feed description
LOS ANGELES, Calif (CNS) - Customs and Border Protection agents seized over three dozen live beetles being smuggled inside Japanese snacks at Los Angeles International Airport, authorities said today. CBP agriculture specialists examining an air cargo shipment in January discovered the beetles conce…
New York Post
Dozens of live beetles disguised as snacks seized at LAX (opens New York Post)
Published Feb 5, 2025
New York Post's feed description
Over three dozen live beetles discreetly hidden inside packages of Japanese snacks were discovered being smuggled into the country at Los Angeles International Airport last month.
New York Times
Dozens of Live Beetles Found in Japanese Snacks During Customs Check at LAX (opens New York Times)
Published Feb 6, 2025
New York Times's feed description
The insects were most likely intended for exotic insect collections, according to customs officials, who say the illegal pet trade is flourishing.

Identical headlines usually mean shared wire copy. They are counted as separate articles but are not independent confirmation.