1 of 1
Story summary
- Criminals stole an estimated 800,000 bees from far-north Queensland beekeepers.
- Tom Bidner, an apiarist from the Atherton Tablelands, reported 44 colonies were taken.
- Thieves removed only the brood box, leaving hives unchanged and honey untouched.
- Det Sgt Ben Cross suspects a commercial farmer, while Bidner suspects industry insiders.
- Professor Megan O’Mara said over $100 million has been spent on prevention, with a potential $1 billion loss over 30 years.
