The giant insects were allegedly being bred for the reptile food market despite strict laws banning the import, sale and breeding of the species.

The invertebrates were likely destined for the pet trade, including as reptile food

Australian officials say they confiscated more than 100,000 illegal live cockroaches from a breeder in May in the country's largest-ever seizure of exotic invertebrates.

Both Madagascar hissing and dubia cockroaches are illegal to import into Australia