Two Belgians, one Vietnamese and one Kenyan were arrested in Kenya for attempting to smuggle 5,000 live ants.
The four individuals pleaded guilty to illegal possession and trafficking of live wildlife in a Nairobi court on Monday, Reuters news agency reported on Tuesday.
The 5,000 queen ants were hidden in 2,244 test tubes and modified syringes, with a total value of around one million Kenyan shillings (approximately €6,800).
Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) explained that the test tubes were designed to keep the ants alive for two months and evade airport security.
Among the 5,000 insects were Messor Cephalotes, a large ant species sought after by collectors.
The KWS considers this case a significant step in combating "bio-piracy". This is the trade or export of biological material, such as plants, animals, and microorganisms, without fair compensation or benefit-sharing with the country of origin. The practice is prohibited in Kenya.
