Kenya: Chinese national arrested over attempt to smuggle rare ants

A Chinese national has been arrested in Kenya after authorities discovered more than 2,000 live queen garden ants hidden in his luggage at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, reported BBC News Africa and agencies on March 12th.

The suspect, identified as Zhang Kequn, was intercepted during a security inspection while preparing to board a flight to China. Officials say the ants were carefully concealed inside his luggage in what investigators believe may be part of a wider wildlife trafficking operation.

According to prosecutors, authorities recovered 1,948 live ants packed inside specialised test tubes, while around 300 more were hidden in tissue paper rolls.

The insects, known scientifically as Messor cephalotes, are highly sought after by collectors in the growing exotic pet market.

Prosecutor Allen Mulama told the court that investigators suspect Zhang may have links to a trafficking network involved in harvesting and exporting ants from Kenya.

Reportedly, prosecutors also requested permission to conduct forensic examinations of the suspect’s electronic devices, including his phone and laptop, to determine whether others were involved.

A court in Nairobi granted authorities five days to detain Zhang while investigations continue.

The case comes amid rising concern from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) over the increasing demand for rare insects in Europe and Asia.

Wildlife officials say garden ants are increasingly being collected and traded as pets by enthusiasts who build artificial colonies for them.

KWS officials warn that removing large numbers of ants from their natural habitats can disrupt ecosystems. Harvester ants play a vital role in maintaining soil health and biodiversity, and their removal could have long-term environmental consequences.

The arrest also follows a similar case last year in which four men, including two Europeans and a Vietnamese national, were convicted for attempting to smuggle thousands of queen ants out of Kenya.

Authorities believe the insects seized in both cases were destined for exotic pet markets overseas. Investigators say further arrests could follow as they expand their probe into suspected ant harvesting operations across Kenya.

BBC News Africa and agencies, Maghrebi.org