Panama’s Counter-Narcotics Operations Are Strengthened by Interceptor Boats Delivered to SENAN

Colón Panama: U.S. Ambassador to Panama, Kevin Marino Cabrera, recently delivered two 41-foot Safeboat maritime interceptor vessels to Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) at the Aeronaval Base Almirante Cristóbal Colón. The delivery underscores the strong partnership between the United States and Panama in countering narcotrafficking and transnational criminal organizations, and preventing drugs from reaching America.

The two high-speed interceptor boats, are valued at $2,085,000 and represent the first two of six vessels the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) will provide to SENAN over the next three years. These boats will significantly enhance SENAN’s ability to patrol coastal waters in both the Caribbean and Pacific, intercept illicit drug shipments, and disrupt criminal networks seeking to move narcotics toward the United States.

“Today we delivered two Safeboat 41-foot maritime interceptor boats to strengthen Panama’s fight against drug traffickers and transnational criminal organizations,” Ambassador Cabrera said. “Under President Trump’s leadership, we are working closely with Panama to secure our borders, dismantle these criminal networks, and keep drugs out. This support makes both our nations safer and more secure.”

The high-speed interceptor vessels are capable of reaching speeds of over 50 knots and will further strengthen Panama’s maritime law enforcement which already seizes 100 metric tons of illicit drugs per year – while disrupting transnational criminal networks.  This support for SENAN is one of the many benefits of expanded security cooperation between our countries and affirms our commitment to enhancing regional stability, securing critical trade routes, and countering the flow of illegal narcotics that threaten communities across the hemisphere.