Environment Department police with the rescued bear cubs before they were taken to the Free the Bears sanctuary.
VIENTIANE: In a decisive action against wildlife crime, the Environmental Police Department of the Ministry of Public Security rescued 16 Asian black bear cubs after they were found at a property in Nongsanokham village, Sikhottaborng district, Vientiane.
The operation, which took place on March 17, led to the rescue of 16 bear cubs that were being held in captivity under cruel conditions.
The Department was tipped off about the illegal activity on March 10 and, after a week of surveillance and intelligence gathering, moved in to apprehend the suspects. Two Lao nationals, a man and a woman, were detained during the raid.
Investigations revealed that the cubs were purchased from the northern provinces, with the owner intending to set up a zoo. However, no legal documentation for the possession of the bear cubs was found. The rescued animals have since been entrusted to the care of the Free the Bears rescue centre in Luang Prabang province.
The police’s efforts were supported by the Lao Landscape and Livelihood Project, funded by the World Bank, and they expressed gratitude for the assistance provided by the Institute for Legal Support and Technical Assistance (ILSTA) and LuxDev in enhancing the capabilities of the environmental police.
The case stands as a testament to Laos’ dedication to upholding international wildlife protection standards and the ongoing battle against the illegal trade of endangered species.
Asian black bears are listed as a national category 1 of prohibited species and are also included in CITES list 1, which bans their illegal trade and possession. The Environmental Police Department is committed to a thorough investigation to bring all involved parties to justice.
The prevalent poaching of black bears is largely attributed to the unfounded notion that certain bear parts possess medicinal properties that promote longevity, according to Department officials.
“The hunting of bears is often motivated by the erroneous belief that their gallbladders can be utilised in medicinal remedies for inflammation, their paws are sought after for purported life-extending properties, and their teeth are valued as amulets,” an official told the Vientiane Times.
The intensification of black bear hunting is propelled by burgeoning demand from international markets, particularly China and Vietnam.
“These markets are known for their willingness to pay premium prices for bear-derived products, thereby incentivising increased hunting activities,” officials said. - Vientiane Times/ANN
