A business in the southern Vietnamese province of Binh Phuoc has been caught illegally housing several species of rare animal.

The environmental police division under Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security carried out at a raid on Thursday night the resident of Le Quang Hanh in Loc Dien Commune, Loc Ninh District. 

The raid uncovered several rare animals, including pangolins, king cobras, and long-tailed monkeys, being raised at the residence.

Eleven king cobras, 12 pangolins, 60 long-tailed monkeys, and several civets and Asian water monitors were confined in the building’s narrow cages.

After inspecting a separate house across from Hanh’s, law enforcement discovered an additional 11 pangolins, 40 to 50 long-tailed monkeys, 16 king cobras, and dozens of water monitors, all kept in bags in what appeared to be preparation for sales.

Initial information collected by police showed that Hanh’s business was granted a license by the office of finance and planning in Ninh Loc District in 2009 to raise and trade snakes, turtles, monitors, porcupine, and mink with legitimate origins.

King cobras stored in bags. Photo: Tuoi Tre

However, Hanh was unable to present documents proving the origins of the animals being kept at his facility.

The owner admitted to purchasing the animals from different sources in northern Vietnamese provinces.

Hanh’s son claimed the cobras and pangolins were bought just a few days prior from a local man who had left town.

“These are rare and endangered animals that are not allowed to be traded or kept in cages. We are coordinating with relevant authorities to deal with the illegal business operation,” an environmental police official stated.

Officers are extending their investigation to verify any involvement from other individuals.

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