Metuchen Man Smuggled Millipedes, Scorpions Into USA: US Attorney

METUCHEN, NJ — A Metuchen man was arrested on Thursday after he allegedly smuggled shipments of live protected scorpions, giant millipedes and other species into the country, U.S. Attorney Craig Carpenito announced.

Wlodzimie Lapkiewicz, 29, faces one count of smuggling wildlife and one count of false labeling wildlife for allegedly smuggling the bugs into the country over a three year span, Carpenito said. Lapkiewicz allegedly smuggled a variety of invertebrate species, including emperor and dictator scorpions, which are both considered endangered species.

Investigators discovered the alleged smuggling when live scorpions and giant millipedes escaped while in transit from Tanzania in July 2015, Carpenito said.

Lapkiewicz used social media to arrange buyers for the bugs, and went to lengths to hide them from customs agents by mislabeling the boxes. One box was even labeled “Plush Toys for my Friends Child about to be born.”

If found guilty, Lapkiewicz faces up to 25 years in prison and $500,000 in fines. He has been released on bond.

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