The director of the Agricultural Marketing Institute (IMA) also called on citizens not to buy products from resellers at Christmas fairs, emphasizing that these actions directly affect low-income families who depend on the program's affordable prices.
Complaints in Bocas del Toro About a Lack of Hams While investigations into reselling were being announced, in the province of Bocas del Toro the Christmas fair was marked by the annoyance of dozens of attendees in the district of Almirante, where they gathered early to purchase the traditional Christmas bags.
In the midst of Christmas fairs developing in different provinces of the country, the director of the Agricultural Marketing Institute (IMA), Nilo Murillo, denounced the existence of an alleged group dedicated to buying hams at low cost to resell them, a practice he described as "a national disgrace" that will be criminally investigated.
Murillo confirmed from the province of Veraguas that the IMA security team detected this situation mainly in East Panama, where it is suspected that there may be organized people acquiring large quantities of hams and selling them above the official price.
"We will not allow this program to be manipulated," the official warned, adding that the institution will strengthen controls and take legal action against those who attempt to profit from a benefit intended for low-income families.
In districts such as Puerto Pilón, Escobal, and Cativá, approximately 11,000 Christmas boxes were distributed, containing rice, basic food items, and bone-in picnic ham.
Another person pointed out that even with her disability, she wasn't allowed to enter before closing time.
IMA authorities indicated that the distribution will continue this Friday in Changuinola, specifically in the Plaza de las Banderas.
In contrast, the Christmas markets in the province of Colón proceeded normally on this second day.
This Friday, new sales points will be enabled in Chagres, the community of Miguel de la Borda and the central park of Portobelo.
Authorities reminded everyone of the importance of carrying their ID, as scans are being carried out at the entrance to control the flow of people and prevent duplicates.
