Chinese National Arrested at Kenyan Airport Attempting to Smuggle Over 2,000 Queen Garden Ants

Nairobi. A Chinese national has been arrested at Kenya's main airport on allegations of attempting to smuggle over 2,000 'Queen Garden' species ants. The individual, Zhang Kekun, was detained after a large quantity of live ants was recovered during security checks at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in the capital, Nairobi.

According to government prosecutor Allan Mulama, investigators have identified Zhang as the main planner of an ant smuggling ring active in Kenya. When other members of the same ring were arrested last year, Zhang managed to escape Kenya using a different passport.

The trade of these ants, which are protected under the international convention on biological diversity, is strictly prohibited. Demand is increasing, particularly because enthusiasts in Europe and Asia keep such ants as pets. According to the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), these ants are very important for the ecosystem, and their absence could seriously affect soil health and biodiversity.

A Kenyan court has allowed Zhang to be held in custody for five days for further investigation. Previously, in May last year, a court sentenced two Belgian nationals, one Vietnamese, and one Kenyan national who attempted to smuggle thousands of live ants to one year in jail or a fine. Kenyan authorities stated that following this arrest, investigations have been intensified in other cities across the country, and more arrests may follow.