Lao-WEN Seizes Suspected Protected Wildlife Parts and Products in Luang Prabang Province

Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR, 13 June 2026 — The Lao Wildlife Enforcement Network (Lao-WEN) conducted an enforcement operation at a location suspected of illegally trading parts and products derived from nationally protected wildlife species in Luang Prabang Province.

During the inspection, officers discovered and provisionally seized a substantial quantity of items suspected to be wildlife parts, derivatives and processed products. The seized exhibits included:

• 968 items suspected to be ivory, weighing approximately 21.57 kilograms;
• 112 items suspected to be animal gall bladders, weighing approximately 14.88 kilograms;
• Nine packages suspected to contain pangolin scales, weighing approximately 10.63 kilograms;
• 559 items suspected to be rhinoceros horn products, weighing approximately 10.07 kilograms;
• 79 boxes suspected to contain elephant-skin powder, weighing approximately 2.99 kilograms;
• Eight boxes suspected to contain bear bile, weighing approximately 0.47 kilograms;
• Two items suspected to be hornbill casques or heads, weighing approximately 0.12 kilograms;
• 700 tubes of traditional medicine suspected to contain wildlife-derived ingredients; and
• Nine machines allegedly used to process wildlife parts and products.

The exhibits remain subject to scientific examination and formal species identification. Their legal status and origin will be determined through further investigation, forensic testing and verification by the competent authorities.

Lao-WEN officers also detained a male Chinese national suspected of involvement in the case. The individual was taken into custody for questioning and further investigation in accordance with the laws and criminal procedures of Lao PDR. No conclusion regarding criminal responsibility should be drawn until the investigation and judicial process have been completed.

The operation demonstrates Lao PDR’s continued efforts to detect and suppress illegal trade in protected wildlife, including the processing and sale of wildlife-derived products. It also highlights the importance of coordinated enforcement, scientific identification, evidence management and cross-agency cooperation in addressing wildlife crime.

The competent authorities are continuing to investigate the source, ownership, processing and intended distribution of the seized items, as well as the possible involvement of other individuals or networks. Legal action will be taken based on the findings and the applicable laws of Lao PDR.

The public is encouraged to report suspected hunting, possession, processing, transport or trade involving protected wildlife and wildlife products to the relevant authorities.

Photographs by: Khanvichit
News provided by: Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection
Published by: Information and Communications Technology Division, Cabinet Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment