The Australian government says it intercepted over 100,000 live cockroaches linked to a suspected kingpin on Friday, marking the largest-ever confiscation of exotic invertebrates in the country’s history.

According to the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water, the insects, including Madagascar hissing cockroaches and Dubia cockroaches, valued at about AU$200,000, were discovered in May at a commercial breeding facility in Bathurst, New South Wales.

The department described the discovery as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen biosecurity enforcement, warning that illegal exotic species could pose serious environmental threats. 

“Exotic cockroaches have not been subject to an environmental risk assessment and could spread disease or harm native wildlife,” the department said in a statement.

It explained that the illegal wildlife trade is strictly prohibited in Australia, and such animals cannot be imported, kept, bred, or sold under any circumstances. 

The insects are significantly larger than Australia’s native cockroach species. They are believed to have been bred in bulk, possibly intended for sale as feed for reptiles and other exotic pets.

According to a spokesperson for the department, the illegal wildlife trade poses broader risks, and enforcement is needed to protect Australia’s agriculture and natural ecosystems.

“Australia has strict biosecurity controls at its borders to protect its agriculture and horticulture sectors and native wildlife from pest infestations,” the statement added.

Biosecurity officials also warned that introducing non-native insects poses serious environmental risks, including the potential spread of disease and disruption of ecosystems. 

The department confirmed that all seized cockroaches would be humanely destroyed in line with biosecurity protocols. 

It added that while the operation uncovered a large-scale illegal breeding activity, no charges had been filed against the breeder involved.