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

Luang Prabang Province, Lao PDR, 30 June 2026 — The Lao Wildlife Enforcement Network (Lao-WEN) conducted an enforcement operation at a location in Sangkhalok Village, Luang Prabang City, suspected of being involved in the illegal trade and processing of parts and products derived from nationally protected wildlife species.

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

• 486 items suspected to be rhinoceros horn products, weighing approximately 11.77 kilograms;
• Two bags of suspected rhinoceros horn powder, weighing approximately 1.40 kilograms;
• 714 items suspected to be ivory products, weighing approximately 14.806 kilograms;
• 213 containers and one bag of suspected elephant-skin powder, weighing approximately 17 kilograms;
• Three boxes of suspected pangolin scales, weighing approximately 39.87 kilograms;
• Seventeen bags and 88 containers of suspected pangolin-scale powder, weighing approximately 2.91 kilograms;
• Seventy-seven items suspected to be bear gall bladders, weighing approximately 10.148 kilograms;
• Four bags and three pieces of suspected wildlife bones, weighing approximately 10.912 kilograms;
• Seventeen suspected wildlife horns, weighing approximately 0.758 kilograms;
• Four suspected wildlife teeth, weighing approximately 0.152 kilograms;
• Approximately 1,400 tubes or tablets of traditional medicine suspected to contain wildlife-derived ingredients; and
• Ten machines suspected of being used to process wildlife parts and products.

All seized materials remain subject to scientific examination, forensic testing and formal species identification by the competent authorities. The investigation will also seek to determine the origin, ownership, processing history and intended destination of the suspected wildlife products.

A male Chinese national suspected of involvement in the case was taken into custody by Lao-WEN officers for questioning and further investigation. The case will be handled in accordance with the laws and criminal justice procedures of Lao PDR. No determination of criminal responsibility will be made until the investigation and judicial proceedings have been completed.

The operation reflects Lao PDR’s continued commitment to preventing and suppressing illegal wildlife trade, particularly offences involving highly protected species and wildlife products processed for commercial sale. It also demonstrates the importance of coordinated enforcement, intelligence gathering, scientific identification and proper evidence management in combating wildlife crime.

The competent authorities will continue to investigate whether other individuals, businesses or networks were involved in the possession, processing, transport or distribution of the seized products. Legal action will be taken against any person found to have violated national wildlife legislation and other applicable laws.

The Government of Lao PDR calls on members of the public, businesses and local communities to refrain from purchasing, possessing, processing or trading protected wildlife and wildlife products, and to report any suspected wildlife-related offences to the relevant authorities.

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