Home / Environment / Exotic Isopod Smuggling Rings Exposed: Lucrative Underworld Thriving in UK
Exotic Isopod Smuggling Rings Exposed: Lucrative Underworld Thriving in UK
30 Sep, 2025
Summary
- Smugglers trafficking exotic isopods from Asia to sell in UK
- Isopods can fetch up to £50 each on the black market
- Legitimate sellers call for action on smuggling and wild-caught sales ban
As of September 30th, 2025, a lucrative underworld of exotic isopod smuggling has been exposed in the UK. Unscrupulous traders are trafficking these colorful crustaceans, known as woodlice, from countries like Vietnam and Thailand to sell to British enthusiasts for up to £50 each.
While buying and selling isopods is legal in the UK, non-native and endangered species are often sourced unethically from abroad. Smugglers are using plain packaging to evade export and import fees, as well as customs and import checks. Some have even resorted to bribing flight attendants to courier the isopods into the country.
Legitimate sellers are now calling for urgent action to crack down on this illicit trade. They warn that certain isopod species are under threat of extinction due to the pet trade destroying their natural habitats. Authorities have stated that a license is required to import invertebrates, and anyone caught releasing non-native species faces prosecution.
