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A suspected “Cockroach Kingpin” has been caught in what authorities describe as one of the largest exotic insect seizures ever recorded in Australia. More than 100,000 live cockroaches, including prohibited species such as Madagascar hissing cockroaches and Dubia cockroaches, were confiscated from a breeder in New South Wales during a major biosecurity operation.

Officials say the insects were allegedly being bred and traded for the reptile food market despite strict Australian laws prohibiting the importation, breeding, sale, and possession of these exotic species.

Massive Seizure of Cockroach Kingpin Bugs in New South Wales

The seizure took place in May in the city of Bathurst, located in the Australian state of New South Wales. Authorities estimated the value of the confiscated insects at approximately 200,000 Australian dollars, or more than £106,000.

Among the insects seized were thousands of Madagascar hissing cockroaches, one of the world's largest cockroach species. These insects typically measure between 5 and 8 centimeters in length, making them considerably larger than common Australian cockroaches, which generally reach only 2.3 to 3.6 centimeters.

Photos released by government officials showed the glossy brown insects, some of which were larger than a human finger.

For more information on Australia's biosecurity efforts, visit the Australian government’s Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water: Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.

Cockroaches Are in Demand

According to local snake catcher Stefanie Lesser, the large cockroaches were likely being sold as reptile food because of their size and nutritional value.

She explained that larger insects can be a cost-effective feeding option for reptile owners because a single large cockroach may replace several smaller feeder insects.

“People do have them because they are big,” Lesser told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. “They’re sort of like the size of the palm of your hand.”

Instead of using prohibited species, she encouraged reptile owners to feed their pets approved alternatives such as crickets or wood roaches.

Information about responsible reptile care can be found through RSPCA Australia.

Biosecurity Risks Raise Serious Concerns

Authorities warn that the issue extends far beyond illegal pet trading.

Experts fear that if the exotic cockroaches escaped into the environment, they could introduce diseases or parasites that might threaten native insect populations. Because these species have never undergone a formal environmental risk assessment in Australia, officials remain uncertain about their potential impact on local ecosystems.