According to authorities, the ants had been carefully packed in test tubes and rolls of tissue paper in an apparent attempt to transport them unnoticed.
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Authorities in Kenya have arrested a Chinese national at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport after he was allegedly caught attempting to smuggle more than 2,000 queen garden ants out of the country.
The suspect was intercepted during a routine security inspection at the airport in Nairobi when officers discovered the live insects concealed in his luggage.
According to authorities, the ants had been carefully packed in test tubes and rolls of tissue paper in an apparent attempt to transport them unnoticed.
Officials say the insects were still alive at the time of the interception.
Wildlife and customs officers believe the ants were being smuggled to China, where collectors and hobbyists keep certain ant species as exotic pets.
Experts note that queen ants are particularly valuable because they can establish entire colonies, making them highly sought after in the international exotic pet trade.
The demand for unusual insects and other small creatures has reportedly grown in parts of Europe and Asia, creating a lucrative illegal market for wildlife traffickers.
Kenyan authorities say investigations into the attempted smuggling are ongoing and the suspect could face charges related to illegal wildlife trade.
Officials have reiterated that trafficking wildlife without proper permits is a criminal offense and warned that strict action will be taken against anyone involved in the illegal trade of animals or insects.
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