LAO-WEN and Luang Prabang Authorities Seize Suspected Wildlife Products and Initiate Legal Proceedings

On 11 September 2026, officers of the Lao Wildlife Enforcement Network (LAO-WEN), in coordination with the Natural Resources and Environment Inspectorate of Luang Prabang Province and other relevant authorities, jointly inspected premises located in Sangkalok Village, Luang Prabang City, Luang Prabang Province, following suspicions concerning the unlawful trade in and possession of parts and products potentially derived from wild animals.

During the inspection, the authorities discovered and seized 17 items with a total weight of 28.03 kilograms. These included items suspected to be rhinoceros horn, carved elephant ivory, wildlife gallbladders and traditional medicines suspected of containing wildlife-derived ingredients. Machinery and equipment suspected of having been used to process wildlife parts or products were also discovered. All items were seized as evidence for technical examination and inclusion in the case file.

During the operation, the authorities detained one foreign male suspect on 11 September 2026 for investigation and questioning in connection with suspected involvement in the unlawful trade in wildlife parts and products.

To protect personal information in accordance with the Law on Cybersecurity No. 87/NA, dated 25 June 2025, and to safeguard the rights of the suspect while the case remains under investigation, this report does not disclose the individual’s full name, age, nationality, occupation, passport number or specific residential address.

As a Party to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), Lao PDR has obligations under Article VIII of the Convention to take appropriate measures to enforce its provisions and prohibit trade in specimens in violation thereof. Such measures include penalizing the trade in or possession of such specimens and providing for their confiscation or return to the State of export.

The inspection, seizure and investigation undertaken in this case form part of the law-enforcement measures of Lao PDR in fulfilment of these obligations. The status of the seized items under the CITES Appendices will be determined on the basis of species-identification results and the evidence established during the investigation.

The operation conducted by LAO-WEN officers is also consistent with United Nations General Assembly Resolution 69/314 on tackling illicit trafficking in wildlife, adopted on 30 July 2015. The resolution calls upon Member States to strengthen law enforcement, enhance bilateral, regional and international cooperation, facilitate information exchange among law-enforcement agencies, and disrupt transnational criminal networks involved in illicit wildlife trafficking.

The relevant sectors and authorities will continue coordinating closely to secure and manage the seized evidence in accordance with applicable procedures, conduct the necessary technical examinations, and expand the investigation into the origin of the items, associated financial flows, and any individuals or networks that may be involved. The case will be handled rigorously in accordance with the law, while ensuring transparency, fairness and the legal rights of all parties.

The public and all sectors of society are encouraged to cooperate with the authorities. Anyone who has information concerning the illegal trade in, possession of or other offences involving wildlife may report suspected wildlife crime through the national hotline:

Hotline: 1528

All reports and information received will be treated as confidential.

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