Illegal Exotic Insects Seized in New South Wales

新南威爾斯州沒收非法外來昆蟲

Jun 5, 2026, 09:12

Introduction

Australian federal authorities have carried out a record-breaking seizure of illegal exotic cockroaches from a commercial breeding business in Bathurst.

澳洲聯邦當局在巴瑟斯特的一家商業繁殖場中，破紀錄地沒收了大量非法外來蟑螂。

Main Body

In May 2026, the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) raided a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales. During the operation, officials confiscated over 100,000 live invertebrates, specifically Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches. This is the largest seizure of illegal exotic invertebrates in Australia's history, with the insects valued at approximately 200,000 Australian dollars. Evidence at the scene showed that there were more than 3,000 breeding colonies.

2026年5月，氣候變遷、能源、環境與水資源部 (DCCEEW) 突擊搜查了新南威爾斯州巴瑟斯特的一家商業繁殖場。在行動期間，官員沒收了超過10萬隻活體無脊椎動物，具體為馬達加斯加鳴蟑螂與杜比亞蟑螂。這是澳洲歷史上最大規模的非法外來無脊椎動物沒收行動，這些昆蟲價值約20萬澳幣。現場證據顯示，該處有超過3,000個繁殖群落。

Under Australian federal law, it is illegal to import, own, breed, or sell these species. The DCCEEW emphasized that because these insects have not undergone environmental risk assessments, they must be strictly controlled. This is necessary to prevent the spread of diseases and to protect native wildlife and the farming industry. For example, the Madagascar hissing cockroach is much larger than the native Australian cockroach, which could cause ecological imbalances.

根據澳洲聯邦法律，進口、擁有、繁殖或銷售這些物種屬違法行為。DCCEEW 強調，由於這些昆蟲尚未經過環境風險評估，因此必須嚴格控制。這樣做是為了防止疾病傳播，並保護原生野生動物與農業。例如，馬達加斯加鳴蟑螂比澳洲原生蟑螂大得多，可能會導致生態失衡。

Authorities believe these insects were intended for the pet trade, as they are often used as cheap food for pet reptiles. Consequently, officials have advised reptile owners to use legal alternatives, such as crickets. While the Invasive Species Council described the operation as the end of a criminal business and warned about a wider black market, the DCCEEW confirmed that the breeder has not been charged yet. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development is now handling the disposal of the insects.

當局認為這些昆蟲是用於寵物貿易，因為它們常用作寵物爬行類動物的廉價食物。因此，官員建議爬行類寵物主人使用合法的替代品，例如蟋蟀。雖然入侵物種委員會將此次行動描述為終結了一項犯罪事業，並警告黑市規模更廣，但 DCCEEW 確認該繁殖者尚未被起訴。新南威爾斯州初級工業與區域發展部目前正在處理這些昆蟲的處置工作。

Conclusion

The operation ended with the removal of all prohibited insects and a formal warning to the pet industry about the penalties for breaking federal biosecurity laws.

此次行動以移除所有禁制昆蟲而結束，並正式警告寵物行業，違反聯邦生物安全法將面臨處罰。

Vocabulary Learning

🚀 Breaking the 'Simple Sentence' Habit

At an A2 level, you usually write like this: "The insects were illegal. The police took them. The insects are expensive."

To reach B2, you need to stop using short, choppy sentences and start using Complex Connectors. Look at how the article connects ideas to create a professional flow.

⚡ The 'Cause and Effect' Bridge

Instead of saying "Because...", try using Consequently.

A2 Style: Because they are used for pet food, the police think they were for the pet trade.
B2 Style: "Authorities believe these insects were intended for the pet trade... Consequently, officials have advised reptile owners to use legal alternatives."

Why this works: Consequently tells the reader that the second action happened as a direct result of the first. It sounds more formal and academic.

🛡️ The 'Condition' Bridge

B2 students use phrases that explain why a rule exists. Look at this structure:

"...because these insects have not undergone environmental risk assessments, they must be strictly controlled."

The Logic: [Reason/Condition] $\rightarrow$ [Necessary Action].

🛠️ Vocabulary Upgrade: Precision over Simplicity

Stop using "get" or "take." Use High-Impact Verbs found in the text:

A2 Word	B2 Upgrade	Context from Article
Took	Confiscated	"...officials confiscated over 100,000 live invertebrates"
Did/Made	Carried out	"...have carried out a record-breaking seizure"
Stop	Prevent	"...necessary to prevent the spread of diseases"

Pro Tip: To move to B2, stop describing what happened and start describing how it happened using these precise verbs.

Vocabulary Learning

seizure (n.)

The act of officially taking something away, especially by the police or government.

Example:The customs officers announced the seizure of illegal goods at the border.

confiscated (v.)

To take something away from someone by legal authority.

Example:The teacher confiscated the student's phone during the exam.

approximately (adv.)

Used to show that something is almost, but not exactly, a particular amount.

Example:The journey to the city center takes approximately thirty minutes.

emphasized (v.)

To give special importance or attention to something when speaking or writing.

Example:The manager emphasized the need for better communication within the team.

assessments (n.)

The act of judging or deciding the amount, value, quality, or importance of something.

Example:The company conducted several risk assessments before starting the project.

imbalances (n.)

A situation in which different elements are not equal or in the correct proportions.

Example:The introduction of a new predator can cause ecological imbalances in the lake.

consequently (adv.)

As a result of something that has happened.

Example:He failed to study for the test; consequently, he received a low grade.

prohibited (adj.)

Forbidden by law or by a rule.

Example:Smoking is strictly prohibited inside the building.

Practice B2 words in a crossword→