Panama: Ten people identified as members of a criminal network dedicated to smuggling tobacco (cigarettes) from the Colón Free Zone to the border with Costa Rica (Paso Canoas) were arrested as part of Operation Northern Zone. They are also being investigated for drug trafficking, illicit association, and money laundering, the Second Prosecutor’s Office against Organized Crime reported. Among those apprehended during the 12 search and seizure operations carried out by the National Police and the Public Ministry in the provinces of Colón, Panama and Panama Oeste, 8 men and two women were apprehended, including 3 officials and a former Customs official.
It was detailed that 8 of the suspects were captured today, while the other two were located last year during the investigative phase of the case, when $4.2 million was seized from them amid several seizures of contraband cigarettes. The preliminary investigation into this case details that members of this organization abused their positions to evade legal and customs controls. Furthermore, they actively facilitated the entry, transport, and distribution of the merchandise. Today, several residences in exclusive areas of the capital city, where the implicated officials live, were also located. More than $12,000, an illegal firearm, a high-end vehicle, an ATV, and other evidence were seized.
