The first phase of 'Operation Odysseus', carried out by the National Police of Panama from January 6 to 11, resulted in a total of 1,490 people being apprehended. The operation was deployed nationwide, focusing on 'hotspots' in the province of Colón, as well as in San Miguelito, Pacora, and other areas where patrols and preventive actions are maintained permanently. Among those detained are 8 citizens wanted for homicide, 4 for gang-related activities, and 5 for attempted homicide. Officers also conducted 586 search and raid warrants, established checkpoints, and carried out nearly 700,000 citizen verifications. During the six days of this first phase, the following was seized: 183 packages of drugs; 55 firearms (40 pistols, 5 revolvers, 2 rifles, 2 carbines, 6 pellet guns) and 5,362 rounds of ammunition; 8 vehicles with theft or robbery reports; and $14,467.15 in cash. Jaime Fernández, General Director of the National Police, detailed that street safety will be reinforced with cameras connected to the Ministry of Security's National Operations Center. He also assured that regarding the issue of minors involved in serious crimes, conversations are being held with prosecutors to see how the problem can be best addressed. 'We are working with the Public Ministry so that minors are treated as the law requires,' while also appealing that 'when these types of cases arise, they are prosecuted taking the committed crime into account.' The operation was also advanced in the country's penitentiaries, where 14 firearms, 371 technological devices, 310 sharp weapons, and 56 packages of cigarettes were seized. In the traffic area, 8,795 tickets were issued for infractions, highlighting 994 for speeding, 102 for proven drunkenness, and 567 for inadequate lights. Additionally, 705 vehicles were towed. The second phase of 'Operation Odysseus' begins this Monday, January 12, and promises to intensify the pressure. The use of drones and other technologies will be implemented to strengthen operational actions, with the firm objective of attacking crime and providing greater peace and security to the citizenry.
