Panama and Colombia are Given Support By the U.S. in Combating Drug Cartels

During a meeting of various officials to mark the start of the Panamax exercises, in which 20 countries will participate, the United States Ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, emphasized the need to strengthen security along the Panamanian border. The diplomat addressed the migration situation in the Darién jungle and warned of the latent risk of the arrival of members of the Gulf Cartel, following recent alerts issued from Colombia.  Cabrera reaffirmed his country’s commitment to bilateral and regional cooperation to combat transnational criminal organizations: “The United States is always open to collaborate with our friends, our partners, our allies in Panama… strengthening regional security.

And how is that done? By going against drug traffickers, cartels, and transnational organizations, which bring nothing good to our hemisphere and our countries,” the ambassador stated.  The U.S. representative explained that the activities of these criminal groups directly impact the entire continent, since drug trafficking routes ultimately lead to the North American market. In this regard, he reiterated President Donald Trump’s stance, who has labeled these criminal organizations as terrorist groups due to the high number of deaths they cause.  “Drugs have killed more people than terrorism, so for us it is very important… to work together, shoulder to shoulder with our Panamanian friends, now with the Colombians and with all the other countries in the region to face this situation,” Cabrera pointed out.