Background on Clan del Golfo and Its Influence
Panama has stated that the Clan del Golfo, Colombia’s largest drug trafficking cartel designated as a terrorist group by the United States, does not have permanent control over its border territory. However, Panamanian authorities acknowledge an increasing “pressure” from Colombian criminal groups.
Clan del Golfo’s Activities
The Clan del Golfo has been linked to drug trafficking to both the United States and Europe, as well as illegal mining and human trafficking in the remote Darien jungle that stretches along the Colombia-Panama border. They are also suspected of placing anti-personnel mines near the border control posts shared by the Colombian army and Panamanian police.
Panamanian Minister’s Statement
Panama’s Minister of Security, Frank Ábrego, clarified that the Clan del Golfo does not have a permanent presence anywhere in Panama’s territory. However, he acknowledged that criminal groups have been advancing around the binational checkpoints.
Challenges Faced by Panama in 2025
Minister Ábrego highlighted that 2025 was a particularly challenging year for Panama due to the “overproduction of drugs in the region,” with Colombia experiencing a significant rise in cocaine supply. This increase has led to greater pressure from criminal structures on Panama’s borders, routes, and nearby communities.
Panamanian Successes Against Drug Trafficking
Despite these challenges, Panama has not conceded territory to organized crime. In 2025 alone, Panamanian authorities seized 118.6 metric tons of drugs, including a record-breaking 13,500 kilograms in November with the cooperation of the United States and Colombia.
US Military Deployment in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific
Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the United States has maintained a military presence to target alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific. This action has resulted in over a hundred deaths and accusations from Venezuela that the true objective is to overthrow Nicolás Maduro’s government.
Colombian Government and Clan del Golfo Talks
On December 5, the Colombian government and Clan del Golfo agreed to continue negotiations in Doha, Qatar, aiming to achieve the group’s disarmament and pacification of the territories they control.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Clan del Golfo? Clan del Golfo is Colombia’s largest drug trafficking cartel, designated as a terrorist group by the United States.
- What activities is Clan del Golfo involved in? The cartel is linked to drug trafficking, illegal mining, human trafficking, and placing anti-personnel mines along the Colombia-Panama border.
- What is Panama’s stance on Clan del Golfo’s presence? Panama’s Minister of Security, Frank Ábrego, stated that Clan del Golfo does not have a permanent presence in Panamanian territory, although criminal groups are increasing pressure around binational checkpoints.
- What challenges does Panama face due to drug production in the region? The overproduction of drugs, particularly cocaine, in Colombia has led to increased pressure from criminal structures on Panama’s borders, routes, and nearby communities.
- What successes has Panama achieved against drug trafficking? In 2025, Panamanian authorities seized 118.6 metric tons of drugs, including a record-breaking 13,500 kilograms in November with the cooperation of the United States and Colombia.
- What is the US military deployment situation in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific? Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the United States maintains a military presence to target alleged drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in over a hundred deaths and accusations from Venezuela.
- What are the ongoing negotiations between the Colombian government and Clan del Golfo? The Colombian government and Clan del Golfo agreed to continue negotiations in Doha, Qatar, aiming for the group’s disarmament and pacification of the territories they control.
