Lao-WEN Inspects Restaurant and Seizes Protected Wildlife in Vientiane Capital

Vientiane Capital, Lao PDR, 18 May 2026 — Officers from the Lao Wildlife and Forestry Law Enforcement Network (Lao-WEN) conducted an inspection of a restaurant in Chommany Village, Xaysettha District, Vientiane Capital, following information concerning the suspected illegal sale and preparation of protected wildlife for consumption.

The operation formed part of the Government of Lao PDR’s strengthened measures to prevent and suppress illegal wildlife trade and was undertaken in connection with the implementation of relevant government instructions, including Notification No. 624/PMO, dated 24 May 2026.

During the inspection, officers discovered live wildlife, carcasses and animal parts suspected to be from nationally protected species. The wildlife was allegedly being stored, prepared and sold as food to a group of foreign tourists.

The exhibits initially seized by the authorities included:

• One live snake, weighing approximately 1.42 kilograms;
• Four pangolin carcasses with the scales removed, weighing approximately 4.8 kilograms;
• One bag of pangolin scales, weighing approximately 3.2 kilograms;
• Raw pangolin meat and internal organs, weighing approximately 2.1 kilograms;
• Cooked pangolin meat, weighing approximately 3.8 kilograms;
• Four suspected bear paws, weighing approximately 2.1 kilograms; and
• One jar of wildlife-infused alcohol.

According to the initial enforcement report, the live animal, carcasses and wildlife parts had a reported combined weight of approximately 25.52 kilograms.

The seized wildlife and related exhibits were placed under official custody for further identification, documentation and evidentiary management. The competent authorities will continue investigating the origin of the wildlife, the persons involved in its supply and purchase, and whether additional individuals or commercial networks were connected to the alleged offences.

Lao-WEN officers also detained a male Chinese national suspected of involvement in the case. The suspect will be investigated and processed in accordance with the laws and criminal justice procedures of Lao PDR. Criminal responsibility will be determined through the competent judicial process.

The operation demonstrates Lao PDR’s commitment to taking firm action against restaurants and other commercial establishments involved in the illegal possession, processing and sale of protected wildlife. It also highlights the important role of coordinated enforcement among the agencies participating in Lao-WEN.

The Government of Lao PDR calls upon restaurant operators, tourism businesses, traders and members of the public not to purchase, prepare, consume or sell protected wildlife or wildlife products. Such activities contribute to biodiversity loss, threaten endangered species and may constitute serious criminal offences under the laws of Lao PDR.

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