A Chinese national has been sentenced to one year in prison in Nairobi after attempting to smuggle more than 2,000 live queen ants out of Kenya. The court also imposed a fine of 1 million Kenyan shillings. Judge Irene Gichobi criticized the आरोपी, Zhang Kequn, stating he was not “entirely honest” and showed little remorse. He was arrested at Nairobi’s main airport while trying to board a flight to China with the ants hidden in his luggage. Authorities revealed that the ants were allegedly purchased from a Kenyan national, Charles Mwangi, who has also been charged and is currently out on bail. Reports indicate Zhang paid around 10,000 Kenyan shillings for every 100 ants. Officials warn that demand for such rare insects is increasing in Europe and Asia, where collectors are willing to pay up to $220 per ant. The court emphasized the need for strict punishment due to rising cases of wildlife trafficking and its harmful ecological impact. After completing his prison term, Zhang will be deported to China. His lawyer has indicated that he plans to appeal the sentence within the allowed 14-day period. The case follows similar incidents, including a previous conviction of four individuals last year for attempting to smuggle thousands of ants out of Kenya, underlining a growing trend in illegal wildlife trade.