Authorities at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) in Nairobi, Kenya, have detained a Chinese national for allegedly attempting to smuggle nearly 2,250 queen ants. These ants are classified as protected under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), with their international trade strictly regulated.
During a routine security inspection, officials discovered a substantial number of live ants in the suspect’s luggage. Prosecutors informed the court that the accused, Zhang Kekun, had ingeniously concealed the ants using test tubes and rolls of tissue paper. Court documents provided the following breakdown:
| Type of Packaging | Quantity | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Test tubes | 1,948 | Specialised laboratory tubes |
| Tissue paper rolls | 300 | Concealed inside rolls |
Prosecutor Allen Mulama requested the court’s permission to conduct forensic examinations of Zhang’s mobile phone and laptop to investigate further. Preliminary inquiries suggest that Zhang may have been linked to a previous ant smuggling syndicate that was dismantled in Kenya last year.
A senior official from the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Duncan Zuma, stated, “Investigations are ongoing nationwide, particularly in other urban centres, as there is suspicion that ant collection operations may be occurring elsewhere.”
Reports from last year indicate a rising demand in Europe and Asia for Messor cephalotes, commonly known as garden ants, which are sought after by hobbyists and collectors as pets.
In May of the previous year, a Kenyan court convicted four individuals for attempting to smuggle thousands of queen ants out of the country, sentencing them to either one year in prison or fines amounting to USD 7,700. The convicted included two Belgians, one Vietnamese, and one Kenyan, all of whom pleaded guilty.
Experts highlight the ecological importance of African harvester ants, noting that their removal can significantly disrupt soil health and local biodiversity. It is believed that the intercepted ants were intended for sale in European and Asian pet markets.
Authorities have warned that further arrests may follow, as the criminal network associated with Zhang remains only partially uncovered. Investigations continue as Kenyan wildlife and customs officials work to prevent the illicit trade of these ecologically vital insects.