Two teenagers from Belgium are facing legal action in Kenya after being accused of trying to illegally take thousands of ants out of the country.
The young men were reportedly caught with around 5,000 ants packed in small containers, raising questions about their purpose and how they managed to collect so many insects without detection at first.
The incident happened at Nairobi’s international airport where authorities stopped the pair before they could board a flight. The ants were hidden in plastic tubes and carefully packed, suggesting that the operation was planned ahead of time. Officials became suspicious during luggage checks, leading to the discovery of the unusual cargo.
The two teens had entered Kenya on tourist visas, but their activities soon drew attention when wildlife authorities learned they were collecting insect species in protected areas. Kenya, known for its rich biodiversity, has strict laws when it comes to exporting native wildlife—including insects. The government considers unauthorized removal of such species a threat to local ecosystems and scientific research.
The arrests took place last week, and the teens have since been charged with violating the country’s wildlife conservation laws. They were taken into custody by Kenyan police and later brought before a court in Nairobi. Legal proceedings are ongoing, and the young suspects could face fines or even jail time if convicted. Their identities have not been made public.
The ants are believed to be rare and possibly of interest to collectors or researchers overseas, but transporting them without proper permits is illegal under Kenyan law. Wildlife authorities are investigating whether this was an isolated case or part of a larger network involved in smuggling insects for profit.
Local conservationists have spoken out about the need to protect even the smallest species. While much attention is often given to large animals like elephants and lions, insects also play an important role in ecosystems. Cases like this show how far some people may go to take advantage of unique wildlife.
As the case moves forward in court, it has drawn attention both in Kenya and Belgium. It serves as a reminder of the serious consequences that can come from ignoring wildlife protection laws. Kenyan authorities have stated that they will continue monitoring for such activities at their borders, especially involving foreign nationals.