Members of the family of Belgian Lornoy David, middle, at the Jomo Kenyatta Worldwide Airport courthouse in Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday April 15. 15, 2025
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biodiversity
Four suspects, together with three international nationals pleaded guilty to a price of trafficking of trafficking highly sought-after ants out of Kenya.
The men – two Belgians, a Vietnamese and a Kenyan were arraigned in court Tuesday.
They were arrested at the world airport in Nairobi for the unlawful possession and trafficking of reside queen ants to promote as exotic pets.
They’ll be sentenced on April 23.
Kenya Vegetation and fauna Services and products described the case as a “landmark” trial.
The company acknowledged it highlighted the rising chance of biopiracy of native species.
Authorities assert the insects were meticulously concealed in specially modified take a look at tubes and syringes crammed with cotton wool, permitting them to dwell to relate the story for up to two months.
A single insect can procure up to $200 on the dark market.
The astronomical African harvester ants are native to Kenya, Tanzania and Ethiopia. In Kenya, the ants are protected below world biodiversity treaties, and their capture and alternate are strictly regulated.
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