The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office conducted an inspection at the Social Security Fund (CSS) medication warehouse, located in Pedregal, Panama district, as part of the investigation into the loss of 19,000 fentanyl vials recorded in November 2022. Sources linked to the investigation state that the inspection, led by Prosecutor Digna Castillo, aims to establish the control system used by the CSS for the movement of restricted medications. In this case, there are still no accused persons, but the investigation has remained active in search of evidence about the possible whereabouts of the reported missing vials. In 2023, the Public Ministry (MP) formed a multidisciplinary team to carry out an audit to determine the handling of fentanyl. This team was composed of officials from the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences, the University of Panama, a representative from the Faculty of Nursing, and a physician from the Faculty of Medicine; the results obtained would be compared with another report prepared by the Social Security Fund. The Social Security Fund itself also conducted an internal audit that revealed a series of irregularities in the handling of controlled substances like fentanyl, which led to the implementation of stricter administrative measures for their management. Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous drugs, as it is 50 times more potent than heroin. Drug cartels often mix fentanyl with other substances, such as heroin, methamphetamines, and cocaine, to increase its potency. Additionally, in countries like the United States and Mexico, it is sold in tablet form. It is a highly addictive and fatal drug for its consumers.
