According to a press release from the First Prosecutor’s Office against Crime, during Matsu Operation, early this morning, actions of the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the National Police and the National Border Service were combined.

The report adds that in the raid to several houses in the David capital and in the cities of Boquete and Alanje, they seized cash – close to 70 000 dollars – and technological equipment.

To questions from the press, the deputy prosecutor, Elvis Salazar, indicated that those arrested in the operation will be taken before the Judge of Guarantees for the corresponding hearing in order to legalize the apprehension, formulation of indictment and the request for precautionary measures.

According to the agencies leading the investigation, this organization facilitated the irregular departure of Chinese migrants from Panama to Costa Rica, to continue the transfer until they reached the United States as a destination.

Since the new administration of President José Raúl Mulino began on July 1, several measures have been taken to try to reduce migratory flows through the dangerous Darién jungle.

Among the actions are the closure of seven unauthorized crossings, maritime patrols and, since yesterday, joint preparations with the United States to begin the deportation and expulsion of dozens of illegal travelers.

Official statistics show that so far this year more than 216,000 migrants, mostly Venezuelans, have passed through the jungle, while in 2023 there were more than 520,000, an unprecedented figure, as local authorities reported.

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