Over a dozen rare rhinoceros beetles, seized by CBP last year from a post office, have found a new home at the Smithsonian in Washington DC.
When the insects were discovered in May 2008 at the Mohnton post office, an investigation by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and other agencies led to the arrest of Marc T. Dilullo, 36, of Exeter Township. He pleaded guilty in April to importing the bugs illegally from Taiwan and received three months probation and a $5,000 fine.
How much does it cost just to purchase the bugs and ship them to the US, anyway?
I'm sure Mr. Dilullo had carefully laid plans, researching just the right kind of enormous insects to make his pets/minions. All were unraveled by one curious postal worker:
Two dozen exotic beetles discovered last year by a Berks County postal worker who heard scratching inside a box marked ''toys, gifts and jellies'' ...
Put that on your toast!
Although they are technically illegal immigrants, the insects have received gainful employment and will be working at the Smithsonian to demonstrate animal diversity and threats to the natural balance.
(Glad they found a good home that is not underneath someone's shoe.)
