The group was dedicated to transporting drugs in containers bound for Canada, the United States and Europe.

The alleged leader of the group, identified as alias “Manuelito,” was in charge of logistics and had collaborators in security institutions, according to the case file.

The official release states that with assistance of Customs officials helped the gang evade the controls of port terminals in order to introduce the drugs, besides knowing the routes, in exchange for economic remuneration.

Panama is used as a bridge for drugs produced in South America and destined mainly for the United States, the world’s largest consumer of cocaine, and also Europe, according to media reports.

Official statistics from the Ministry of Security indicate that in 2023, 119.2 tons of drugs were seized in the country, mostly cocaine.

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