They pleaded guilty to attempting to smuggle thousands of live ants out of the country.

 

Authorities say the group, which also includes a Vietnamese national and a Kenyan citizen, was intercepted earlier this month while trying to ship the insects in cleverly modified containers designed to keep them alive during long-haul transport.

Investigators believe the ants were headed for the exotic pet trade, which continues to grow in parts of Europe and Asia. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said the packaging was sophisticated enough to sustain the insects for up to two months without food or water.

“This case is a milestone for Kenya’s fight against the illegal wildlife trade,” a KWS Spokesperson said. “It highlights the lengths traffickers will go to, and the vigilance of our enforcement teams.”

Kenyan law treats the illegal possession or export of any wildlife species seriously. Offenders found guilty face a mandatory minimum fine of $10 000 and at least five years behind bars.

The case has sparked wider conversation around the lesser-known victims of wildlife crime, small but ecologically vital species that rarely make headlines.

BBC’s Anne Soy, who has been following the story, explained the broader implications;
"It's believed the insects were destined for exotic pet markets in Europe and Asia. The Kenya Wildlife Services said the packaging could sustain ants for up to two months. Possession of wildlife specimen without a permit is a criminal offense in Kenya. Offenders face a minimum fine of $10 000, and a likely prison term of no less than five years. The Wildlife Services hailed the bust as a landmark case."

Sentencing is expected later this week, with prosecutors calling for stiff penalties to deter similar crimes.

--ChannelAfrica--