Operations spanning both sides of the isthmus find 234 packages of suspected narcotics

Panama’s National Police have delivered what authorities are calling a blow to drug trafficking, seizing a total of 234 packages of suspected illicit substances in two separate anti-drug operations. In the first operation at a Pacific port, 194 packages were found inside a container. The 194 packages of suspected drugs were found concealed within six suitcases inside a container at a port facility in Panama, on the Pacific coast, following an inspection prompted by an alert

A second operation at an Atlantic port uncovered 40 packages hidden in the air conditioning unit of a container. The search was carried out in coordination with the Public Prosecutor’s Office, and it was verified that the container had no recorded route in its tracking history. In a statement on 1 November, the National Police reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining coordination and surveillance efforts to combat drug trafficking and strengthen security at the country’s ports.

In the Pacific Waters Off of Chiriquí, Panama, Authorities Seize 5529 Packages of Drugs.

Meanwhile, in September, Panamanian authorities seized 5,529 packages containing suspected illicit substances and arrested two Colombian citizens during an operation against maritime drug trafficking in Pacific waters, according to a report by the Attorney General’s Office.  The report says the seizure took place in the morning on the high seas, south of Punta Burica in the district of Barú, province of Chiriquí, during patrol and control operations against illicit maritime traffic.

The Specialized Prosecutor's Office for Drug-Related Crimes of Chiriquí carried out the operation with support from the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN). The latter located a vessel in which two crew members were travelling, and several packages containing the alleged illicit substance were being transported.  After the interception, authorities apprehended the two Colombian nationals aboard and handed them over to the relevant authorities for further investigation.