Six get provisional arrest in drug bust

A guarantee judge ordered   Saturday, June 18, the provisional arrest of six of the 25 arrested in  Operation “Fortaleza” which took place on June 15.

The raids were carried out at different points in the provinces of Veraguas, Herrera, and Chiriquí and led to the arrest of people allegedly linked to drug trafficking from Colombia.

“Fortaleza” began in February 2019 after authorities obtained information about a network that used the islands of Cébaco and Coiba to receive drugs from Colombian drug trafficking networks.

According to the Attorney General’s Office, the Drug Prosecutor’s Office was able to obtain charges for crimes of conspiracy to commit crimes related to drugs and money laundering.

According to investigations by the Drug Prosecutor’s Office, the criminal group would allegedly be dedicated to receiving illicit substances from Colombia, for their subsequent storage, custody, and security.

In the operation, the seizure of cash, ammunition, and firearms was achieved. In addition, it was reported on June 15 that the sum of $30,000 was located in a residence in Veraguas.