Panama Customs Rejects Venezuela's Version of Diplomatic Pouch Violation

The National Customs Authority of Panama responded to accusations from the Venezuelan government regarding the alleged forced opening of a diplomatic pouch at Tocumen International Airport, ensuring that the procedure was carried out in accordance with the law. According to the entity, the incident originated during a routine inspection when a Venezuelan representative presented four pieces of luggage to the scanner. Upon detecting irregular images in one of the bags, customs personnel requested an additional inspection, at which point the official stated that it was a diplomatic pouch. Customs explained that, in compliance with protocols, the Ministry of Foreign Relations of Panama was immediately notified, an entity that determined that the luggage did not meet the requirements established in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. According to international law, specifically Article 27, the diplomatic pouch must carry visible external signs such as seals and official marks that guarantee its inviolability, elements that, according to Customs, were not present in this case. The institution reiterated that at no time were diplomatic norms violated and defended that all actions were carried out within the framework of national and international law, emphasizing its commitment to respect for foreign missions and the security of the country. The statement comes after Caracas denounced an alleged violation of the diplomatic pouch, qualifying the incident as a breach of international law and demanding guarantees of non-repetition.