Drug offers followed by a police shakedown in Laos

Tuk-tuk rides and tourist areas

How it works

A tuk-tuk driver offers drugs, then works with police or police impersonators to demand money from the tourist. Drug penalties can also be severe.

Warning signs

Your driver offers to sell drugs.
A casual offer is followed by an immediate police approach.
Someone demands cash to make a drug accusation disappear.

How to avoid it

Refuse drug offers.
Do not buy, carry or handle drugs for anyone.
Leave the situation calmly when it is safe.

If it happens to you

Stay calm and do not argue or resist. Ask for formal handling of any accusation, and contact your embassy or consulate for help.

Move to a safe, staffed place. Do not chase a thief or confront someone who threatens you.
If you are injured or feel unwell after suspect alcohol, seek urgent medical help.
Freeze stolen or affected cards. Contact your card issuer about unauthorised charges or an ATM debit without cash.
Save receipts, tickets, messages and screenshots. Write down the time, location, amount and what happened.
Report the incident to police when safe. Ask for a written report, especially if you need an insurance claim. Your accommodation may help with language.
Contact your insurer and, for a stolen passport, detention or serious trouble, your embassy or consulate. Ask the seller or booking provider for a refund where appropriate.

Where it happensTuk-tuk rides and tourist areasVientiane

What travellers report

Posts about this scam on other sites, summarised in our words. Open one to read the original.

More scams in LaosCash demands for alleged scooter offences: how to avoid it

Questions

What is the drug offers followed by a police shakedown scam in Laos?

A tuk-tuk driver offers drugs, then works with police or police impersonators to demand money from the tourist. Drug penalties can also be severe.

How can I spot it early?

Your driver offers to sell drugs. A casual offer is followed by an immediate police approach. Someone demands cash to make a drug accusation disappear.

How do I avoid drug offers followed by a police shakedown in Laos?

Refuse drug offers. Do not buy, carry or handle drugs for anyone. Leave the situation calmly when it is safe.

What should I do if it happens to me?

Stay calm and do not argue or resist. Ask for formal handling of any accusation, and contact your embassy or consulate for help.

Where in Laos does this happen?

Tuk-tuk rides and tourist areas It has been reported in Vientiane.

How common is this scam in Laos?

Common. Laos is generally a low-crime country, but petty theft and tourist overcharging remain concerns. Watch for inflated transport fares, misleading ticket sellers, money-exchange tricks and counterfeit goods. Prices below are examples from different years, so check the full amount before paying.

Are there similar scams in Laos?

Yes: cash demands for alleged scooter offences.

Who can I report it to?

Police: report theft, threats or fraud in person when safe. Ask for a written record. Assistance may be limited, and language barriers can make reporting harder. Nearby police boxes in Vientiane: after a bag snatch, shout immediately to attract attention and alert nearby police. Card issuer and ATM bank: use your banking app or the issuer's official contact channel to freeze a card or dispute a transaction. For missing ATM cash, provide the location, time, amount and receipt. Hotel, transport operator or booking provider: present the receipt and booking details. Explain the difference between what was promised and delivered, and request a correction or refund. Embassy or consulate: contact your country's official consular service for a stolen passport, detention or serious difficulties. Use contact details from its official website. Travel insurer: report the loss promptly through its claims or assistance service. Keep receipts, evidence of ownership and any police report.

What number do I call in an emergency in Laos?

Luang Prabang Provincial Hospital, open 24/7: +85671254027.

Reviewed by @snuck