In a joint operation, Panama’s National Police, with support from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, recently intercepted a shipment of suspected illicit substances concealed in a vessel’s hull on the Pacific coast. The operation led to the discovery of eight red briefcases attached to the ship’s hull, containing a total of 310 packages of suspected drugs.
Tras una operación antidrogas, unidades de la DNA, buzos de la UTOA, incautan 310 paquetes con presunta droga, que se mantenían divididos en ocho maletines, ubicados dentro de los ductos de enfriamiento del motor ubicados en la parte inferior del casco del buque. #GolpeCertero pic.twitter.com/ZYmQXbWRf6
— Policía Nacional (@ProtegeryServir) October 23, 2024
Operation Details:
Targeted Effort to Address Suspected TraffickingThis operation was prompted by an international anti-drug alert that flagged a container ship traveling from South America to North America, indicating that illicit substances may be hidden in its hull. In response, Panama’s National Police Special Forces dispatched a team of specialized divers to examine the vessel.Upon investigation, divers identified eight red briefcases carefully attached within the engine cooling ducts in the lower section of the ship’s hull. After extracting the briefcases, the team transported them to the mainland for inspection.
Securing Evidence and Further Investigation
Once onshore, officials counted 310 packages contained within the briefcases. The packages have been handed over to law enforcement authorities for laboratory analysis to determine their contents and confirm the nature of the substances.
Importance of International Cooperation
This operation highlights the role of international cooperation and intelligence-sharing in combatting transnational crime. By receiving and acting on shared intelligence, Panama was able to intercept a shipment of suspected illicit substances, preventing it from reaching its destination.Panama’s location along key maritime routes makes it a frequent target for drug trafficking, which has led to growing collaboration between Panama and international anti-trafficking agencies. This partnership allows for timely sharing of intelligence that aids in preventing trafficking operations from passing through the region.
