Foreigner Detained at Tocumen Airport in Panama with Gold Bars Valued at Nearly $2 Million

The National Migration Service (SNM) thwarted the international transit of a foreigner in Panama after discovering that he was transporting 16 kilograms of gold ingots without the legal documentation for their export, a shipment valued at approximately $1,962,000.  The passenger arrived at Tocumen International Airport from Cali, Colombia, with a connection to Istanbul, Türkiye.  According to the National Migration Service (SNM), the foreigner stated that a company had hired him to transport the gold shipment. 

Following verifications carried out with Colombian authorities, it was confirmed that the material did not have the required export declaration, and was therefore considered a suspected case of smuggling.  In addition, the traveler exceeded the permitted stay limit in the international transit zone, which is set at 24 hours without accommodation outside of airport facilities.  The SNM indicated that, in application of Decree Law No. 3 of February 22, 2008, article 50, numeral 5, he was denied transit through Panamanian territory and was returned to his country of origin which is Colombia.