Lao PDR Seizes More Than 48 Kilograms of Suspected Wildlife Products in Luang Prabang and Additional Wildlife Items in Vientiane Capital

Lao PDR, December 2025 — Forestry officers from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection (DNEI), Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in cooperation with provincial environmental inspection authorities, carried out coordinated enforcement operations that resulted in the seizure of a significant quantity of suspected wildlife products in Luang Prabang Province and additional wildlife items in Vientiane Capital.

In late December 2025, joint inspection teams conducted targeted inspections at souvenir shops, restaurants and other locations suspected of illegally trading wildlife products in Luang Prabang City. The operation covered six locations and followed up on intelligence and previous enforcement actions undertaken by provincial authorities in November 2025.

During the inspections, officers seized 48.25 kilograms of wildlife products, wildlife parts and items suspected to contain or be derived from protected wildlife species. The seized materials have been secured as evidence and will undergo scientific examination, including DNA analysis, to confirm the species involved.

Investigations are continuing, with authorities collecting evidence and conducting criminal investigations in accordance with national legislation.

At the same time, forestry officers from DNEI, together with environmental inspection authorities in Vientiane Capital, conducted inspections at 11 shops, markets and other commercial premises suspected of offering wildlife products for sale.

The operation resulted in the seizure of 13 wildlife items, including wildlife products, wildlife parts and objects suspected to contain wildlife-derived materials. These exhibits have also been placed under official custody pending forensic examination and DNA identification to verify the species involved.

The criminal investigations remain ongoing as authorities continue gathering evidence to determine the origin of the products, identify those responsible and pursue legal action where appropriate.

These coordinated enforcement operations demonstrate Lao PDR’s continued commitment to combating illegal wildlife trade through intelligence-led inspections, inter-agency cooperation and the application of scientific forensic techniques. The use of DNA analysis will strengthen the evidentiary basis for prosecutions and support the effective implementation of national wildlife legislation and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

Lao PDR will continue to strengthen inspections of markets, retail outlets and other commercial establishments, while working closely with national and international partners to detect, investigate and prosecute wildlife crime and to safeguard the country’s biodiversity.