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Chinese National Charged with Smuggling 2,000 Ants

3/18/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Nairobi authorities charged Zhang Kequn, a Chinese national, and Charles Mwangi, a Kenyan man, with illegal wildlife dealing.
They allegedly tried to smuggle more than 2,000 live queen garden ants.
Authorities found the ants in Zhang's luggage at the airport.
Zhang paid Mwangi 10,000 Kenyan shillings for every 100 ants.
Kenyan officials warn of rising demand for garden ants in Europe and Asia.

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Story summary

Nairobi authorities charged Zhang Kequn, a Chinese national, and Charles Mwangi, a Kenyan man, with illegal wildlife dealing.
They allegedly tried to smuggle more than 2,000 live queen garden ants.
Authorities found the ants in Zhang's luggage at the airport.
Zhang paid Mwangi 10,000 Kenyan shillings for every 100 ants.
Kenyan officials warn of rising demand for garden ants in Europe and Asia.