Custom Agents Bust Traveler with Luggage Full of Bugs

A man accused of smuggling a suitcase full of dead insects into the country from Japan has pleaded not guilty, WestsideToday.com reports. The charges stem from the birdwing butterflies found in his luggage. Because the alleged attempt to import these rare insects is a violation of the U.S. Endangered Species Act, the Irvine, Calif., man now faces a federal prison sentence of up to 20 years, according to the post. A court document shows customs agents at the Los Angeles International Airport discovered eight boxes of dead insects in luggage belonging to the man, who runs a business selling pinned and framed insects online. Customs agents were interested only in the 150 dried and folded 5-inch Ornithoptera butterflies from New Guinea, however, according to the post. The trial is scheduled for June 16.