Shipment of Giant Beetles Seized

CBS2.com | June 13, 2008
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A US Postal Service worker has found 26 Giant Beetles - some known as "Gargantuan Beetles" which can grow to a length of 8 inches or more. The beetles were found during a routine inspection when scratching noises were heard coming from the box. Upon opening the box, the beetles were discovered. The shipment originated from Taiwan. The box was labeled as "toys, gifts and jellies". Gargantuan beetles are capable of extreme destruction to crops and vegetation if left unmanaged. Because of their extreme size, conventional pesticides will not kill them. It is thought that the shipment of the giant beetles was a terrorist threat and the Department of Homeland Security was contacted. Officials have since frozen the beetles and put them on display. Live Giant Beetles are illegal to import or possess in the USA. CBS2 in Los Angeles reports...

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