Two men are charged with attempting to smuggle more than 2,000 ants in Kenya. One of the accused is Chinese, and the other is Kenyan. According to reports from agencies like Reuters, the Chinese man was arrested at Nairobi airport about a week ago after authorities discovered a large quantity of live ants packed into test tubes or wrapped in tissues in his luggage. The presence of these ants raises questions about wildlife trafficking as they belong to the species Messor cephalotes, which is protected and regulated.

Reports indicate that the Chinese man allegedly purchased the ants from the Kenyan for around 10,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately 67 euros) per hundred ants. This case has broader implications, as the Kenyan man is suspected of being connected to another shipment of ants that was confiscated in Bangkok in March. Officials are concerned about the illegal wildlife trade and its impact on biodiversity, emphasizing the importance of strict laws governing protected species.

Both men deny any wrongdoing and are currently being held in custody pending further investigation. The case highlights the ongoing issues related to the smuggling of protected species, with ant enthusiasts in Europe and Asia reportedly willing to pay high prices for such creatures as pets. This incident sheds light on the illegal animal trade routes and the challenges faced by law enforcement in addressing these complex cases.