A Chinese national, Z Kequn, has been arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi, Kenya, for attempting to smuggle more than 2,000 live queen garden ants out of the country.
Z was intercepted during a security check after authorities discovered a large consignment of live ants in his luggage destined for China. Prosecutors revealed that some ants were packed in specialized test tubes while others were hidden inside tissue paper rolls. A total of 1,948 ants were found in tubes, with an additional 300 concealed in tissue paper.
The prosecutor requested that Z’s electronic devices, including his phone and laptop, be examined for further evidence. Investigators said Z is allegedly linked to an ant-trafficking network that was broken up in Kenya last year.
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) officials warned that the ants, scientifically known as Messor cephalotes, are protected under international biodiversity treaties and their trade is highly regulated. The species is in demand in Europe and Asia, where collectors keep them as exotic pets.
Last year, four suspects, including two Belgians, a Vietnamese, and a Kenyan, were sentenced to one year in prison or fined $7,700 for attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen ants. KWS described the previous case as “landmark” for highlighting the ecological importance of the ants, which help maintain soil health and biodiversity.
Z is suspected to have masterminded the trafficking ring but escaped Kenya last year using a different passport. The court has allowed his detention for five days to enable further investigations. KWS officials say more arrests are expected as the probe extends to other towns involved in ant harvesting.
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