LAO-WEN Seizes Suspected Wildlife Parts and Products in Vientiane Capital

On 18 August 2026, officers of the Lao Wildlife Enforcement Network (LAO-WEN), together with relevant authorities, conducted a joint inspection operation in Sisavath Village, Chanthabouly District, Vientiane Capital, targeting suspected illegal trade and possession of prohibited wildlife parts and products.

During the inspection, the authorities discovered a range of items suspected to be derived from protected wildlife species, as well as several Chinese nationals who were present at the premises and were subsequently detained for further investigation in accordance with applicable legal procedures.

The seized items reportedly included suspected rhinoceros horn, carved elephant ivory, dried elephant skin, pangolin scales and pangolin-scale powder, wildlife bile, bear bile powder, wildlife teeth, carved wildlife bones, and traditional medicines suspected of containing wildlife-derived ingredients. In total, 38 items weighing more than 30 kilograms were seized. Officers also discovered several machines and tools believed to have been used for processing wildlife parts and products.

All suspected wildlife specimens, products, machinery and related materials were seized and secured as evidence for the preparation of the case file and further investigation. The individuals concerned remain subject to investigation by the competent authorities, and their legal responsibility will be determined in accordance with the laws and procedures of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic.

The operation reflects continued efforts by LAO-WEN and relevant authorities to strengthen enforcement against illegal wildlife trade, improve inter-agency coordination, and combat wildlife crime in accordance with national legislation and the international obligations of the Lao Peoples Democratic Republic.

Photo and information: Department of Natural Resources and Environment Inspection
Published by: Information Technology and Communications Division, Office of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment