ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- The Russian Embassy in Madagascar said Thursday two Russian nationals have been released after they were charged with smuggling rare insects.

The embassy said Vladimir Yefremenko and his wife, Kristina, were initially sentenced to a $300 fine and three months in prison after they were arrested at a Madagascar national park while in possession of several varieties of local insects in plastic cases, RIA Novosti reported Thursday.

"During an appeal hearing on Wednesday, the judge listened to the defense and ruled to release the Russians," embassy spokesman Yury Vinnik said Thursday.

He said the couple has been released from jail and they are on their way home.