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TimesLIVE
15-05-2025
- TimesLIVE
Tiny creatures are big business: Smuggled ants worth R4,163 each on black market
While much of the world's attention is focused on the poaching of charismatic megafauna like elephants, pangolins and rhinos, a quieter, less visible crisis is unfolding beneath our feet, one involving some of the smallest animals on the planet — invertebrates. Earlier this year, two Belgian teenagers were apprehended in Kenya with 5,000 ants in their possession. They were given a choice of paying a fine of $7,700 (R139,372) or serving a minimum 12-month prison sentence under Kenya's wildlife conservation laws. Senior lecturer in invertebrate biology at the University of KwaZulu-Natal Caswell Munyai said the global trafficking of ants, spiders, scorpions and other invertebrates, or smuggling, is complex and diverse. 'Besides being traded for food, most invertebrates are targeted for their use in traditional medicine. Also there has been a growing demand for trading arthropods targeted for the pet trade,' said Munyai. According to Ant Authority, queen ants can cost between $20 (R362) and $60 (R1,086), depending on species and season. Rare species like the jumper jack or bull ant queens go for up to $230 (R4,163) and $120 (R2 172) respectively. Though common pavement ants might only sell for about $27 (R489), the more exotic species, especially those from the Global South, are a hot commodity on online marketplaces, which is often illegal. 'Some of the most trafficked or well-known invertebrates involved in trading between global markets are those in the phylum mollusca, which includes snails, mussels, octopus and arthropods, such as insects, spiders,' said Munyai. 'For mollusca, they are heavily trafficked due to the high demand for seafood and their shells, which are probably used in jewellery and decorative items.' Munyai said when it comes to arthropods, ants, spiders, stick insects and scorpions are particularly targeted. 'There has been a spike in the past decade or two, particularly involving arthropods being trafficked from countries in the Global South and sold in developed countries.' While the motivations are diverse, some are collected for use in exotic food dishes or traditional medicine while others are sold in pet shops or online and destined for formicariums in homes far removed from their native habitats, he said. Beyond the legal and ethical concerns, the ecological consequences of invertebrate trafficking are immense. 'Despite the obvious impact related to the disruption of the natural balance of the ecosystem where these species occur, the trade has cascading negative effects. It affects food chains, species interactions and even ecosystem service provisioning and functioning,' said Munyai. A recent case that illustrates the problem starkly is that of an attempt to smuggle the African Harvester Ant out of Kenya last month. Munyai said this species plays a critical role in seed dispersal, helping maintain the health of native ecosystems, and that removing such a species disrupts not only plant regeneration but also the food web. 'Spiders and scorpions that are being trafficked out of their native ecosystems have important predatory roles. They help manage pest populations which, if left unmanaged, pose serious problems to agriculture and ecosystems.' Munyai said there can be consequences long after these creatures are sold. 'Some of these, unfortunately, become serious pests (alien invasive species). This happens when the owners or those who initially bought them no longer want them, or when they escape into the wild.' Munyai says enforcement remains patchy. 'On paper, there are good wildlife protection laws here in South Africa and globally. But on the ground, quite a lot is happening unchecked. Most conservation attention still goes to 'charismatic' wildlife. Very few cases are reported for things like ants. That's why the Kenyan case caught so much attention — people were shocked,' Munyai said. Despite comprising 95-97% of all known animal species, invertebrates remain vastly understudied and underfunded in conservation. 'These little things run the world. They are everywhere, from our intestines to our houses, and our fields, playing roles in pollination, pest control and nutrient cycling. Yet very little to nothing is known about the distribution patterns of our invertebrate biodiversity,' said Munyai. According to Munyai, funding for invertebrate research pales in comparison to that for vertebrates. Conservation planning often prioritises larger animals, leaving invertebrates as an afterthought. 'We need more studies on the distribution and ecology of invertebrates. We need to increase public awareness and interest in these animals, which I hope will increase the general concern for their conservation,' said Munyai. The recent spike in attention to the trafficking of invertebrates may be the start of a turning point. But Munyai is cautious. 'This is happening under our noses. If you look at some of our pet shops, you will know. We really need to look into what is leaving through our ports — by sea, land, or air,' he warned. 'By the time we realise this, it may be too late.'
The Sun
22-04-2025
- The Sun
Contraband cigarettes, liquor worth over RM560,000 seized in Miri
KUCHING: The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM) in Sarawak busted a contraband stash of untaxed cigarettes and hard liquor worth more than RM566,000 during an operation in Miri on Wednesday (April 16). Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said that in the 8.30 am operation, a team of Customs officers from the Land Operations Unit conducted a raid on a container in the Eastwood Valley Industrial Estate area. 'An inspection of the locked container uncovered 700,000 sticks of various brands of white cigarettes without tax stamps, along with 1,536 litres of alcoholic beverages suspected to be contraband,' he said. 'The estimated value of the seized items is RM74,372, while the total duties and taxes involved is RM492,319.20. The overall estimated value of the confiscated goods, including duties and taxes, amounts to RM566,691.20,' he said in a statement today. Norizan added that the syndicate's modus operandi involved using the container as a storage space for cigarettes and alcoholic beverages to evade detection by the authorities. He said the case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967. If found guilty, the offenders could face a fine of up to RM500,000, imprisonment for up to five years, or both.
Borneo Post
22-04-2025
- Borneo Post
Customs seizes over RM566,000 worth of illicit goods in Miri
The alcoholic beverages seized by the customs in the raid. MIRI (April 22): The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM Sarawak) seized illicit cigarettes and alcoholic beverages worth RM566,691.20 during a raid at an area in Eastwood Valley industrial estate here last month. Sarawak Customs director Norizan Yahya said that the raid targeted a 20-foot-long container at around 8.30am on March 16, following tip off from the intelligence unit. 'Upon inspecting the locked container, the team discovered a total of 700,000 sticks of white cigarettes of various brands without tax stamps, along with 1,536 litres of alcoholic beverages stored inside. 'The estimated value of the seized goods is RM74,372, while the amount of duty and tax amounts to RM492,319.20,' he said in a statement today. Norizan stated that the importation of cigarettes and alcoholic beverages requires an import permit because they are classified as restricted goods under the Customs (Prohibition of Imports) Order 2023. He explained that the syndicate's modus operandi involves using containers as storage facilities for cigarettes and alcoholic beverages suspected to be prohibited items. 'The case is being investigated under Section 135(1)(d) of the Customs Act 1967,' he said. alcohol beverages customs illicit cigarettes lead Norizan Yahya seize
Gulf Today
20-04-2025
- Automotive
- Gulf Today
Sharjah disburses Dhs9.37 million to taxi number plate owners
The Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) has begun distributing the annual bonus to owners of old taxi number plates in the emirate for the year 2024. The total disbursed amount stands at Dhs9,372,000. The payment is being made in implementation of the directives of His Highness Sheikh Dr. Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, with the aim of supporting low-income citizens and ensuring a decent standard of living for this segment of the community. Yousef Khamis Al Othmani, Chairman of SRTA, confirmed that the bonuses are being paid to owners of old taxi number plates currently operated by franchise companies under SRTA's umbrella. A total of 4,686 individuals are benefitting from the initiative. Abdul Aziz Mohammed Al Jarwan, Director of Transport Affairs at SRTA, stated that this step reflects the Ruler's continued interest in improving the living conditions of Sharjah's citizens, particularly the owners of old vehicle licence plates. He emphasised that the move is a reflection of the spirit of social solidarity in Sharjah. Al Jarwan noted that the disbursement process is carried out only after eligible owners meet the necessary conditions and requirements. He assured that SRTA is committed to streamlining the procedures and removing obstacles to facilitate access to the bonus. Owners who have not yet met the disbursement criteria are urged to complete their documentation and submit the required paperwork to claim their financial entitlements. For inquiries or support, they can contact SRTA at 600525252 or 0564144667. WAM
Khaleej Times
19-04-2025
- Automotive
- Khaleej Times
Sharjah to grant over Dh9 million in annual bonuses to owners of old taxi licence plates in 2024
Owner of old taxi licence plates in Sharjah can look forward to a promising 2025, with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA) unveiling an exciting bonus initiative. The authority on Saturday revealed that a total of Dh9,372,000 will be allocated as an annual bonus for owners of old taxi plates for the year 2024. This reward will be distributed among eligible recipients. This initiative comes in accordance with the directives of Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and the Ruler of Sharjah. In a related development, the Sharjah Police recently launched new vehicle number plates featuring a modern design and enhanced quality. Vehicle owners will have the opportunity to replace their old plates with the updated versions starting March 3. This update is part of the ongoing efforts to enhance the services offered to both citizens and residents in Sharjah.
