In China earlier this month, a woman was apprehended attempting to smuggle some unusual (and expensive) insects in her suitcase.

The incident unfolded at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport where the woman arrived with a suitcase, appearing visibly anxious. Despite her attempt to evade detection, the X-ray machine flagged something suspicious in her luggage and upon inspection, authorities discovered hundreds of concealed insects, some of which were still alive and actively crawling around!

Astonished officers found 439 Japanese Stag Beetles hidden under some snacks. These orange-coloured beetles are considered exotic in China and are valued as one of the most expensive insects globally, with a single stag beetle fetching around $90NZD.