The rulings of the Kenny Court of Indicity festivals to a fine of $ 7,700 or one year in prison

A Kenyan court sentenced four men to one year in prison or a fine of $ 7,700 (5800 pounds) to try to smuggle thousands of ants from the country.

The four suspects – two Belgians, the Vietnamese and the Kenyans – were arrested last month with 5,000 ants in the home of guests in the western town of Nivasha.

They acknowledged guilt on the charges and told the court that they were collecting the desired ants as a hobby and did not believe that it was illegal.

However, the judgment was submitted on Wednesday, the court said that the specified types of ants collected were valuable and they had thousands of them – not just a few.

It is believed that the ants were intended for exotic pet market in Europe and Asia.

The smuggler of the giant African giant, which is estimated by some UK dealers, included 170 pounds ($ 220) each.

Belgian citizens Lorenoy David and Sibi Ludiwigx, both of whom were 19, and Vietnamese Duh Ngwin and Kenyan Dennis Nagang, were handed over after the judge looked at the mitigation arguments.

The Belgians were found with 5,000 ants, while Ngwin and Nagang ‘were 300.

KWS wildlife service (KWS), which is used more to protect large creatures, such as lions and elephants, is described as a “prominent state”.

The case showed “a disturbing shift in trafficking patterns – from iconic mammals to the least well -known species that are vital for environmental balance,” KWS said last month when the four were arrested.

Belgian teenagers entered Kenya in a tourist visa and were residing in Naifasha, a common town for tourists for its gardens and lakes.

KWS said that the demand for rare types of insects was growing.

In Kenya, ants are protected according to international biological diversity treaties and their trade is highly organized.