An international network of ant traffickers has been dismantled by agents in Kenya. The ants discovered in a single shipment are valued at approximately $8,000 on the exotic insect market.
Four smugglers caught transporting thousands of live ants from Kenya to sell them on the exotic insect markets in Europe and Asia will be prosecuted for wildlife trafficking.
Authorities in the African country found ants from rare species hidden in test tubes and modified syringes.
"Investigations revealed that the test tubes were designed to sustain the ants for up to two months and to evade airport security detection," Kenyans said in a statement, describing this as "premeditated and well-executed."
The case is considered a landmark moment by the Kenya Wildlife Service, according to Reuters.
The discovered ants have a market value of approximately one million Kenyan shillings ($7,800).
Two Belgians, one Vietnamese, and one Kenyan have pleaded guilty to charges of illegal possession and trafficking of live wildlife. However, they have requested leniency, claiming to be collectors and not intending to break any laws.
The court has postponed the case until April 23.