Historical Drug Bust in Panama
Panama executed one of its largest drug seizures in history by confiscating approximately 12 tons of cocaine from a vessel in the Pacific en route to the United States, local authorities reported on Tuesday.
This marks the largest seizure in a single operation since 2007, when 19 tons of cocaine were confiscated in Panamanian Pacific waters, according to authorities. In 2024 alone, Panama has confiscated a total of 124 tons of drugs.
Key Figures and Context
Julio Villareal, the anti-drug prosecutor, stated in a press conference, “This is a historic event.”
Panama serves as a transit point for cocaine smuggling from South America, primarily Colombia, to the United States, the world’s largest consumer of this drug.
Operation Details
According to Panamanian authorities, the drugs were discovered aboard a vessel near San Miguel Island in the Las Perlas archipelago, in the Pacific waters off Panama.
The vessel, carrying 10 crew members originating from Colombia, was destined for Mexico and the United States. All crew members, including Venezuelans, Ecuadorians, and Nicaraguans, were apprehended.
Drug Trafficking Routes
Washington estimates that 90% of the cocaine reaching the United States travels through Mexico and Central America via airplanes, speedboats, and mini-submarines.
In recent years, there has been an increase in drug seizures at Caribbean ports in Panama, destined for Belgium, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
In 2023, Panama confiscated 119 tons of drugs.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of this drug seizure? This operation represents one of Panama’s largest drug busts in history, highlighting its role as a transit point for cocaine smuggling from South America to the United States.
- Who were the individuals involved? The 10 crew members detained during this operation included Venezuelans, Ecuadorians, and Nicaraguans, with the vessel originating from Colombia.
- What are the primary drug trafficking routes to the United States? According to Washington, approximately 90% of cocaine reaching the United States travels through Mexico and Central America via various modes of transportation, including airplanes, speedboats, and mini-submarines.
- How have Panamanian ports been affected by drug trafficking? In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in drug seizures at Caribbean ports in Panama, with destinations including Belgium, France, Spain, and the United Kingdom.
