At least 37 giant live beetles were found concealed inside multiple packages of Japanese snacks, potato chips, and chocolate at Los Angeles International Airport, US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) said.The beetles, measuring up to 4-5 inches long and valued at $1,480, were discovered by CBP agriculture specialists during a physical examination of a shipment arriving from Japan via air cargo in January.“They may look harmless but in reality, smuggled beetles pose a significant threat to our vital agriculture resources,” said Cheryl M Davies, CBP director of field operations in Los Angeles. “Beetles can become a serious pest by eating plants, leaves, and roots and by laying eggs on tree bark which damages our forests.”Sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, exotic insects are often sold online and underground, authorities said.“The illegal trade of exotic insects bring hefty profits for those willing to take the risk of circumventing US laws and regulations,” the CBP said in their release regarding the case on Wednesday.The CBP said the insects would likely be donated to local zoos after being handed over to the United States Department of Agriculture. Credit: US Customs and Border Protection via Storyful