In the Waters of San Carlos Panama, a Homemade Boat gets Busted with Illicit Cargo on Board

A total of 836 packages of suspected drugs, three individuals arrested, and a small-scale boat seized were the result of an anti-drug operation carried out south of the San Carlos district in West Panama.  Units of the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) spotted the suspicious vessel, but when its occupants noticed the presence of the officers, they attempted to escape. It was all in vain, as they were captured minutes later.  The detainees, the evidence, and the vessel were transferred to the Capitán de Frigata Noel Antonio Rodríguez Justavino Naval Base, where the corresponding proceedings were carried out in conjunction with the West Panama Drug Prosecutor’s Office. 

Drug Outflows at Ports Must be Stopped – A Message from President Mulino

President José Raúl Mulino yesterday called on port operators to collaborate with customs, immigration, and security authorities in the fight against drug trafficking.  “We must make an effort with the port authorities to cooperate with Customs, Immigration, and the National Police to stop the massive flow of drugs heading to Europe. This is unsustainable and reflects poorly on Panama’s port security,” the president said.  Mulino stated that after returning from his trip to Brazil, he will hold a second meeting with port officials, after the first meeting fell on “deaf ears.”  He also noted that, although the operations are under concession, “Panama owns these ports, don’t forget that, and we will exercise the controls we must exercise as owners.”  According to the president, the current schedules are “absurd” and he questioned the lack of Customs oversight during the 9:00 pm to 6:00 am hours. 

“The ports of Colón will be under 24/7 surveillance. The idea that Customs or any other entity cannot operate after 9:00 p.m. is going to end. What happens at night? Scanners are useless if containers become clogged after passing through them,” Mulino said.  The president’s statements, which are part of the recommendations to combat drug trafficking from ports, were made during the inauguration of the Colón Free Zone World Expo Fair.  On another note, the president announced that he will travel to Brazil today to boost bilateral relations with the South American giant and sign an agreement with Mercosur, which, he said, is not a free trade agreement.  Mulino will arrive in Brasilia accompanied by a delegation that includes members of his cabinet, deputies, advisors, and 14 business leaders, including two presidents of private sector associations.  In Brasilia, Mulino will be received by his counterpart, Luiz Inácio “Lula” Da Silva, at the Planalto Palace, the seat of Brazil’s Executive Branch.