(KPL) On August 25, 2026, Lt. Gen. Vanthong Kongmany, Minister of Public Security, together with the Ministers of Agriculture and Environment, Culture and Tourism, and Health, inspected evidence seized in a major illegal wildlife trafficking case in Bolikhamxay Province.

The ministers were received by Maj. Gen. Kongsawat Bounlieng, Vice Minister of Public Security and Head of the General Department of Police.

The case originated from a raid conducted on August 16 by the Environmental Police Department, in coordination with Bolikhamxay Provincial Police and Pakkading District Police, at Nonesavanh Resort in Phonchalern Village, Pakkading District.

Authorities detained 11 foreign nationals—10 men and one woman—and seized 1,755.6 kilogrammes of ivory-like animal parts, two black panther-like carcasses weighing 45.5 kilogrammes, other suspected illegal wildlife products, and two vehicles.

The suspects are being prosecuted under relevant national wildlife conservation legislation and the Lao Penal Code.

Under Article 52 of the Aquatic and Wild Animals Law, the unauthorized possession, hunting, purchase, sale, or removal of protected animals, carcasses, or animal parts is prohibited.

Under Article 334 of the Penal Code, illegal possession or trade may carry a prison sentence of three months to five years and a fine of LAK 3 million to LAK 10 million. Article 335 provides penalties for illegal import, export, or transit of wildlife covered by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), including imprisonment of three months to five years and a fine equivalent to twice the value of the damage caused.

Law enforcement authorities are continuing to expand the investigation to determine the origin of the wildlife products and identify their intended destinations

KPL