A report from the Ministry of Public Security revealed that this year on the Colombian-Panamanian border, citizens from Asia, Africa, and America have been detained for various crimes. Among the countries with the highest incidence are Mexico, the United States, Jamaica, El Salvador, Ecuador, Colombia, Venezuela, Peru, Chile (America); Ethiopia, India, Nigeria (Africa); Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Jordan, Pakistan (Asia).
The report details that the crimes for which they have been detained include human trafficking, drugs, pimping, identity theft, and rape. In addition, foreigners with red alerts from Interpol, as well as other criminal groups or arrest warrants, have been identified. The Minister of Security, Frank Ábrego, highlighted that more than forty migrants have been rescued in the first two months of the year as part of the humanitarian and security actions provided by the Panamanian state.
Ábrego emphasized the decrease in foreigners with criminal records attempting to enter the national territory through Darién, thanks to the declining trend in migration flow, although he stressed that they remain active at border points to ensure security. On the other hand, the minister referred to the work of public security agencies against drug trafficking and organized crime, reporting that between January and February more than fourteen tons of drugs were seized, which represented a major blow to the drug mafia.
Ábrego highlighted the effort of the police force during the past Carnival, with crowds of Panamanians and tourists gathered nationwide, assuring that they continue to operate without neglecting the responsibilities assigned to the National Police, Senafront, and the Air Naval.
