Queen ant smugglers fined Ksh.1 Million each or to serve one year in jail

Belgian nationals, David Lornoy and Seppe Lodewijckx, Duh Hung Nguyen of Vietnam and Dennis Nganga of Kenya will pay the fine or serve one year in jail.

The suspects pleaded guilty to the illegal possession of ants, which they intended to smuggle through the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

The Belgian teenagers were found with over 5,000 queen ants at a guesthouse near Lake Naivasha.

The insects have an estimated value exceeding Ksh.1 million. The suspects had no legal permits to collect or export the ants, violating Kenya’s wildlife protection regulations.

The complainant in the case, the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), told the court that there was no justification for the mass collection of the ants. The incident raised alarms about possible ecological damage and the potential for commercial trafficking.

In court, Lornoy and Lodewijckx admitted guilt but claimed ignorance, stating they were unaware they were breaking the law. 

Describing their actions as a “stupid mistake” the pair said they did not intend to cause harm and pleaded for leniency, expressing a desire to return home.

Despite their remorse, the court imposed a fine of Ksh.1 million each and in default  to serve 1 year in prison, underscoring the seriousness of the offense and Kenya’s commitment to protecting its biodiversity.