Chinese National Arrested at JKIA Trying to Smuggle Over 2,000 Live Queen Garden Ants
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A Chinese man has been arrested at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) after authorities found over 2,000 live queen garden ants in his luggage, which he allegedly tried to smuggle out of Kenya.
The suspect, identified as Zhang Kequn, appeared in court at JKIA on Wednesday. Prosecutors said they need extra time to investigate what they suspect is a well-organised international network exporting live ants to Asia.
State prosecutor Allen Mulama told the court that Kequn was stopped during a routine security check on Tuesday morning. “Investigators recovered 1,948 garden ants in special test tubes, while another 300 ants were hidden inside three rolls of tissue paper,” he said.
Authorities suspect Kequn is part of a larger operation trafficking ants from Kenya to foreign markets. Similar smuggling attempts by foreigners have been reported at JKIA in the past year.
Magistrate Njeri Thuku gave detectives five more days to complete investigations. During this period, authorities will examine Kequn’s phones and laptop to uncover possible links to other suspects.
The probe has also expanded to Nakuru and Naivasha, regions believed to be sources of illegal ant harvesting. The case will return to court once the investigation period ends.
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