Police in Nong Khai seized more than 130 kilogrammes of cut ivory and two sacks containing unidentified animal remains after intercepting an alleged cross-border wildlife trafficking operation along the Mekong River.
Get today's headlines by email 
At around 7.20pm on 16 May, officers from Wiang Khuk Police Station, Nong Khai Immigration, Nong Khai Customs and the Nong Khai Animal Quarantine Station jointly inspected and confiscated 22 sections of ivory weighing a total of 130.9kg. Authorities also recovered two white sacks containing animal remains and bones, of an unidentified species, weighing a combined 29kg.
Picture courtesy of Daily News
The operation took place near the Mekong River at Ban Mueang Mi Yai in Mueang Mi subdistrict, Mueang Nong Khai district. Officials involved included Pol Col Somchai Sanguansakphakdi, deputy commander of Nong Khai Provincial Police, Pol Col Phraiwan Thaophrom, superintendent of Wiang Khuk Police Station, Pol Col Noppadol Rakchat, superintendent of Nong Khai Immigration, Wannaa Phuutsa, head of Nong Khai Customs, and Jongcharoen Maksuwan, head of the Nong Khai Animal Quarantine Station.
Authorities said the seizure followed an intensified crackdown targeting illegal border activities, including undocumented migration, narcotics, smuggled goods and other unlawful cross-border trade. At approximately 6pm on 16 May, investigators at Wiang Khuk Police Station received intelligence that illegal goods were being prepared for transport across the Mekong River into a neighbouring country.
Police then deployed surveillance teams to the riverbank area. At about 7.20pm, a boat reportedly crossed the Mekong and docked at the shore while five men unloaded sacks and other items near a riverside stairway.
When officers identified themselves, the five suspects fled the scene on foot, while the boat immediately turned around and headed back across the river. No arrests were reported.
Investigators later discovered the ivory and animal remains concealed inside the sacks. Authorities believe the items were intended for illegal export and possible sale to collectors of ivory or for further processing into decorative objects or jewellery.
The Daily News reported that the confiscated items have been taken to Wiang Khuk Police Station for further legal proceedings. Officials have not yet identified the origin of the ivory or the species linked to the remains.
Related story
Nine-arrested-in-thailand-for-african-ivory-smuggling
Join the discussion? 
Already a member? 
Adapted by ASEAN Now Dailynews 18 May 2026
Recommended Comments
Create an account or sign in to comment