The incident occurred during a regular customs inspection. According to the official statement, during the inspection, the procedures established in national regulations and the current international agreements signed by the Republic of Panama were strictly followed. In response to this claim, the personnel immediately contacted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Panama to coordinate the corresponding actions. No alterations to the protocol were detailed. The report explains that the situation began when a representative of the Venezuelan government presented a credential accrediting her as part of the consulate and placed four (4) pieces of luggage in the corresponding scanner. As they passed through the inspection equipment, irregular images were detected in one of the bags, requiring a complementary inspection. The National Customs Authority of the Republic of Panama responded to the statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela regarding the alleged forced opening of a diplomatic pouch at Tocumen International Airport. The Panamanian entity stated that it considers it necessary to clarify what happened. It was at that point that the procedure was activated. According to Customs, when the official was informed that a manual verification was necessary, she stated that it was a diplomatic pouch. The action was carried out through official channels. Subsequently, the Ministry determined that the luggage presented did not meet the minimum requirements established by the Vienna Convention of 1961, specifically Article 27, which states that luggage constituting a diplomatic pouch must have visible external signs indicating its character. Among these elements are external marking, seals, and components of inviolability. According to the statement, these requirements were not present at the time of the inspection. The National Customs Authority reiterated its commitment to respecting international norms, diplomacy, and the proper treatment of foreign missions accredited in the country. It also maintained that the actions taken were carried out within the framework of Panamanian law and in accordance with the operational procedures established by international laws. The inspection took place within the usual controls at the airport.
