Lao PDR Strengthens International Cooperation on Wildlife Crime Investigation and DNA Analysis of Nearly 1.8 Tonnes of Suspected Elephant Ivory

On 3 September 2026, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection of the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment, in collaboration with the Environmental Police Department under the General Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security, convened a consultation meeting to review the forensic examination of seized wildlife specimens and prepare for further DNA analysis of nearly 1.8 tonnes of material suspected to be elephant ivory.

The meeting, held at the Environmental Police Department, was co-chaired by Dr Boundeth Soutthavily, Director General of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection, and Colonel Khaophone Phommajan, Director General of the Environmental Police Department.

Participants included representatives of the Lao Wildlife Enforcement Network (Lao-WEN), the Department of Forestry in its capacity as the CITES Management Authority of Lao PDR, the Faculty of Forest Science in its capacity as the CITES Scientific Authority of Lao PDR, the International Police Department, the Customs Department, the Department for Monitoring and Inspection of Criminal Proceedings under the Office of the Supreme People’s Prosecutor, the Anti-Money Laundering Intelligence Office, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the TRACE Wildlife Forensics Network, and relevant officials of the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Inspection and the Environmental Police Department.

The meeting reflected the strong commitment of the Government of Lao PDR to seriously and effectively implement the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), strengthen national law enforcement, and combat transnational organized wildlife crime. Lao PDR continues to enhance cooperation with the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL), UNODC, the CITES Secretariat, CITES Parties, neighbouring countries, countries of origin, transit and destination, and other international partners to exchange information, undertake forensic analysis, trace criminal networks and support coordinated enforcement action.

The meeting followed up on the investigation into the alleged illegal trade and possession of prohibited wildlife carcasses and specimens. On 16 August 2026, officers of the Environmental Police Department, in coordination with the Bolikhamxay Provincial Public Security Command and the Pak Kading District Public Security Office, conducted a search at Nonsavanh Resort in Pak Kading District, Bolikhamxay Province.

The operation resulted in the detention of 11 foreign nationals, including one woman, and the seizure of several types of suspected wildlife specimens. These included material suspected to be elephant ivory weighing a total of 1,755.6 kilograms, two carcasses suspected to be black panthers weighing a total of 45.5 kilograms, other wildlife-related items and two vehicles.

During the meeting, specialists presented the available forensic findings, including species identification, key examination results, microchips detected in some specimens, possible links associated with the case, and technical recommendations for further investigation. Participants also considered continued DNA analysis under the cooperation framework involving UNODC, TRACE and PELTS.

The Environmental Police Department reported on the overall circumstances of the case, the status of the ongoing investigation and the scientific questions requiring further examination. Participants discussed and prepared a plan for collecting samples from the seized evidence, identifying matters requiring scientific confirmation, maintaining the integrity and chain of custody of the evidence, and arranging appropriate facilities for the analysis.

The DNA analysis is intended to provide scientific evidence in support of the investigation, confirm the species and possible geographic origin of the specimens, identify links with other cases, trace transportation and trafficking routes, and support the identification of individuals and criminal networks that may be involved.

Where international links are identified, Lao PDR will coordinate with INTERPOL through the National Central Bureau in Vientiane, relevant CITES Parties, UNODC and other competent international authorities to facilitate information exchange and further investigation. Any persons found to be involved will be proceeded against strictly in accordance with the laws and regulations of Lao PDR.

This coordinated action demonstrates that Lao PDR is taking concrete steps not only to seize illegal wildlife specimens but also to strengthen intelligence-led investigations, apply wildlife forensic science, trace financial and criminal connections, and disrupt the organized networks responsible for transnational wildlife trafficking.

Following the meeting, participants inspected the seized evidence and agreed on the technical and operational steps required for sampling and further DNA analysis.

Photographs and report: Sonphet Souliphon
Published by: Information Technology and Communications Division, Cabinet Office, Ministry of Agriculture and Environment

Agriculture and Environment Programme

Broadcast on Lao National Television Channel 1:

• Thursday, 17:30–18:00;
• Friday, 14:25–14:55; and
• Sunday, 10:00–10:30.

Broadcast on Lao National Television Channel 3:

• Sunday, 06:30–07:00;
• Sunday, 13:10–13:40; and
• Sunday, 20:45–21:15.

Further information on agriculture and environmental activities is available at www.mae.gov.la⁠.