Two Belgians arrested in Kenya because they tried to smuggle 5,000 ants: some copies are worth 200 euros

Belgians LD and SL were arrested on April 5 in the Jane Guest House in the Lake View district in Naivasha (Kenya). They are accused of smuggling ants illegally. In 2,244 tubes, all together were discovered around 5,000 ants. There were cotton wool in the tubes to keep the ants moist during transport. But how the duo intended to bring the ants and whether it was the intention to come to our country with it is not clear.

It was a large number of queen ants who are very sought after by collectors who want to pay a lot of money for it. The largest copies can grow 22 to 25 mm in size and cost up to 200 euros on the black market, because the animals are protected and are therefore not captured and sold. Other species that were found are worth less, but about 35 euros for one ant is still quickly counted.

The two Belgians now acquainted their fault. In addition, another smuggling duo, consisting of a Kenyan and a Vietnamese, also arrested for similar facts, is in a different file. The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), which mainly protects larger animals such as lions and elephants, was a civil party, says spokesperson Paul Udoto. All four suspects appeared before the head magistrate Njeri Thuku. In anticipation of a statement, which may still fall on Tuesday, they will remain in jail.

According to the KWS, the demand for rare insect species is growing. They keep collectors in special terrariums so that they can see how they expand their colonies. Unique to the Queen Ants is that they mainly live on seeds. According to Pat Stanchev, general manager of the Best Ants UK website, who sells insects, it is mainly their « big and beautiful size » that makes them so attractive for people they want to keep as a pet.

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In Kenya, the ants are protected by international treaties on biodiversity and trade is strictly regulated. Those who are caught smuggling serve heavy fines and even prison sentences. Because the government makes little distinction between smuggling large wild animals or insects. Because both are illegal.

The ants have been seized and will be deported in nature again.