Kequn intercepted at Nairobi airport with live garden ants bound for China, and authorities linked him to a wider trafficking network.

A Chinese national has been arrested at Kenya’s main airport for allegedly trying to smuggle more than 2,000 queen garden ants out of the country.

Zhang Kequn was stopped during a security check at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi after authorities discovered a large consignment of live ants in his luggage destined for China.

Investigators told the court that Zhang is connected to an anti-trafficking network that was dismantled in Kenya last year. The ants are protected under international biodiversity treaties, and their trade is strictly regulated.

Prosecutors said some of the ants were packed in test tubes while others were hidden in tissue paper rolls. In total, 1,948 ants were found in test tubes and 300 more were concealed in tissue paper. Authorities have asked for Zhang’s phone and laptop to be forensically examined.

The Kenya Wildlife Service said more arrests are expected as the investigation expands to other towns where ant harvesting may be taking place. Last year, four people were sentenced for trying to smuggle live queen ants, in what authorities called a landmark case.

Officials noted that the ants, scientifically known as Messor cephalotes, are in high demand in Europe and Asia as exotic pets. Removing them from Kenya’s ecosystems can disrupt soil health and biodiversity.

The court has approved a five-day detention to allow investigators to continue questioning Zhang and gather further evidence.