Chinese National Arrested in Kenya Over Attempt to Smuggle 2,000 Ants

Kenyan authorities have arrested a man who attempted to smuggle more than 2,000 live ants out of the country through his luggage at Nairobi’s main airport.

The suspect, identified as 27-year-old Chinese national Zhang Kequn, was intercepted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while trying to board a flight after security officers discovered thousands of live queen garden ants hidden inside his bags.

According to investigators, a search of the luggage uncovered 2,238 live ants, with 1,948 packed inside specialised test tubes and the remaining insects concealed in rolls of tissue paper. Authorities said the insects were carefully arranged to survive transportation.

Prosecutors told a Nairobi court that the suspect had been in Kenya for about two weeks and allegedly obtained the ants from local suppliers. He reportedly mentioned three accomplices, prompting authorities to widen their investigation into what they believe may be an organised international trafficking network.

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) warned that the illegal trade in insects is growing, driven by collectors in Europe and Asia who keep exotic ants in specialised enclosures known as formicariums to observe their behaviour. Officials say the removal of large numbers of ants from the wild could harm ecosystems because the insects play a key role in maintaining soil health and biodiversity.

A court has allowed investigators additional time to examine electronic devices seized from the suspect while the probe continues into the suspected smuggling ring.