A Chinese national has been arrested in Kenya on charges of attempting to smuggle over 2,000 live ants out of the country, according to local prosecutors.

The suspect was apprehended at an airport with the insects concealed in his luggage using various methods. Prosecutors said some of the ants were packed in test tubes while others were hidden inside tissue paper rolls.

The ants in question were identified as queen ants, though authorities have not specified the exact species or their potential value. Queen ants are essential to colony reproduction and are often sought after for establishing new ant colonies.

Kenya, like many countries, has strict regulations governing the export of wildlife and insects to prevent ecological damage and protect native species. The smuggling of live insects can pose significant environmental risks if invasive species are introduced to new ecosystems.

The arrest highlights ongoing challenges faced by customs officials in detecting and preventing wildlife trafficking. Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect was acting alone or as part of a larger smuggling operation.

The case remains under investigation, and the suspect faces charges related to wildlife trafficking violations under Kenyan law.