Photo Credit:Reuters
Kenyan authorities have uncovered an elaborate plot to smuggle thousands of live ants out of the country, marking what officials call a "milestone" case in wildlife trafficking. Four individuals—two Belgians, one Vietnamese, and one Kenyan—were apprehended at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport while attempting to transport approximately 5,000 queen ants destined for exotic pet markets in Europe and Asia.
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) revealed that the smugglers had concealed the highly sought-after ants, including the prized Messor Cephalotes species (Giant African Harvester Ant), in specially modified test tubes and syringes designed to sustain the insects for up to two months while evading security detection.
"This unprecedented case signals a shift in trafficking trends—from iconic large mammals to lesser-known yet ecologically critical species," stated the KWS in their official release. The meticulously planned operation demonstrated what authorities described as "premeditated and well-executed" smuggling techniques.
Court documents reviewed by Reuters indicated the intercepted ant queens were packed in 2,244 containers with an estimated street value of
approximately 1 million Kenyan shillings ($7,800). The smugglers appeared in court on Tuesday after pleading guilty to charges of illegal
possession and trafficking of live wildlife.
"We did not come here to break any laws. By accident and stupidity we did," said David Lornoy, one of the Belgian suspects, as he appealed for
leniency from the court. The case has been adjourned until April 23, when pre-sentencing reports from multiple agencies will be considered.
The Messor Cephalotes species commands premium prices in international markets. UK-based retailer AntsRUs lists a single queen from this
species at £99.99 ($132.44), describing them as "truly amazing to visually observe" with their distinctive "beautiful red and brown/black coloration." Queens of this species reach impressive lengths of 20-24mm.
Industry insiders confirm that legal exportation of these ants requires proper licensing from the KWS and health certification—requirements the smugglers allegedly circumvented. The case represents what officials term a landmark in combating biopiracy, as it involved the attempted export of Kenya's genetic resources without proper consent or benefit-sharing agreements.
While many view ants as common pests, dedicated collectors treasure these insects, housing them in transparent formicariums where they can
observe the complex colony-building behaviors. The growing popularity of ant-keeping has apparently fueled an illicit trade in rare species.
The KWS has positioned this case as part of Kenya's broader commitment to protecting its diverse wildlife resources, extending conservation
efforts beyond traditional focus areas like elephants and rhinos to include smaller, ecologically significant species that face increasing threat from international trafficking networks.
The smugglers remain in custody as they await sentencing next week.