Smugglers Ants caught hundreds of censorship insects in Kenya

Four men pleaded guilty to Kenya in an attempt to transfer hundreds of very popular ants from the country.

Kenya’s wildlife service (KWS), which is more accustomed to protecting great creatures such as lions and elephants, called it a “landmark”.

The smuggling has entered gigantic ants from African harvesters estimated by some UK dealers up to £ 170 ($ 220) each.

The case has shown that “an alarming shift in trafficking in human trafficking – from iconic mammals to less known species that are vital to environmental balance,” KWS reports.

The suspects hid creatures in “specially altered test pipes and syringes”, which would allow the insects for two months, KWS said.

There was also a “settlement attempt to bypass the security system”, obscuring the contents of the pipes.

Photos of illegal hoods that share KWS show hundreds of these containers stuffed with cotton wool, each of the two or three ants.

The exact number of insects is still estimated, but KWS spokesman Paul Uda told the BBC that this was the first case of “bio-piracy” on this scale.

Four suspects-two Belgians, Vietnamese and Kenyats were arrested after the KWS called “coordinated operation under the guidance of intelligence.”

It is believed that the designed directions were exotic pets in Europe and Asia.

KWS noted that demand for rare species of insects is growing. Collectors keep them in special habitats known as Formicariums, and watch them build their colonies.

A giant African anthill – either Harvesting Guard . is the largest of its species and can grow up to about 20 mmWith the queen grows to 25 mm.

PJS Stanchcha, CEO of Inspector-Deling Best Antts UK, said that their “big and beautiful size” makes them attractive to those who want to keep them as pets.

He does not sell a giant African ant but said the BBC that he knows about people who are trying to convey illegally imported insects.

In Kenya, ants are protected by international biodiversity treaties and their trade is very regulated.

“This persecution sends a strong message that Kenya will comply with the requirements … and means a significant step forward in the fight of Kenya against unconventional wildlife crimes,” the KVU said.

Four men must be sentenced on Tuesday.