On October 3, 2025, Vietnam's border guard command seized more than 7 metric tons of rare wildlife body parts from two wooden fishing boats en route from Indonesia to Vinh Long province. The confiscated items included 4.2 metric tons of suspected pangolin scales, nearly 1.6 metric tons of fish skin, 150 python skins, and various other rare animal parts. The two individuals operating the boats lacked documentation proving the legal origin of the goods. Experts estimate that the amount of pangolin scales seized would require the killing of around 12,000 pangolins, a critically endangered species. The incident highlights Vietnam's ongoing struggle with wildlife trafficking, despite recent progress in combating such crimes. International trade in pangolins is banned under CITES, and Vietnam imposes severe penalties for wildlife offenses. Experts are calling for thorough investigations to uncover the broader networks behind these illegal activities.