• Chinese man and Kenyan partner caught trying to smuggle 2,000 live queen ants
• Authorities expect more arrests

A Chinese man and his Kenyan accomplice were arrested after attempting to smuggle over 2,000 live queen ants from Kenya, facing charges of illegal wildlife trafficking.

Kenyan authorities reported that Chang Kikuun was detained last week at Nairobi International Airport after a large shipment of ants was found in his luggage, with the insects either stored in test tubes or wrapped in paper.

During a court session on Tuesday, it was revealed that Chang purchased the ants from Charles Mwanji for 10,000 Kenyan shillings (about $77) per 100 ants. Authorities did not clarify whether the ants were intended for overseas ant-keeping enthusiasts, but the shipment was headed to China.

The two suspects were also charged with conspiracy to commit a crime and remain in custody. Mwanji faces an additional charge of illegal handling of ants after being caught with live ants on a separate occasion.

Both men denied the allegations, according to local media in Nairobi.

Chang’s lawyer, David Lusoweti, stated: “They were unaware that their actions violated the law. They saw an opportunity to earn a living from this trade and believed they could sell the ants abroad.”

Chang and Mwanji are scheduled to appear in court again on March 27. A senior Kenyan wildlife service official confirmed that more arrests are expected as the investigation expands to other cities suspected of illegal ant collection.

Previously, in May of last year, a Kenyan court sentenced four men to one year in prison or a $7,700 fine for attempting to smuggle thousands of live queen ants abroad, with the shipments destined for collectors in Europe and Asia.