Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 1 Moderators Share Posted April 1 Quote More Than $31,000 is Seized Posted 31/03/2024 More than 31 thousand dollars in cash was seized, and a woman arrested, in a residence in the Los Cántaros neighborhood of Panama City. According to the National Police, the amount seized was $31,892.50 and its origin could not be justified. The woman was arrested for her alleged connection with the crime of money laundering. In this raid and search of a residence, carried out between the Public Ministry and the National Police, three cell phones were also confiscated. The apprehended woman, along with the evidence, will be placed under the orders of the corresponding authorities. Investigations into this case continue. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/more-than-31000-is-seized Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 11 Moderators Share Posted April 11 Quote 3202 Drug Packages Seized Today Posted 10/04/2024 1,600 packages of what is presumed to be cocaine, were found hidden in two containers by Panama authorities on Wednesday April 10 destined for a port in Belgium. In another drug bust, 1,512 packages of drugs were found in the port of Manzanillo, located in the Caribbean province of Colón, inside a container that was destined for the Belgian port of Antwerp. Also in a Panamanian port, 90 packages of illicit substances in a container were seized. Totals as of mid-March, Panama authorities had seized at least 24 tons of drugs, while in all of 2023 that figure rose to 119.2 tons, the vast majority of which was cocaine. In 2022, Panama seized a historic amount of 138.41 tons of drugs, of which 108.82 were cocaine, according to official figures. Panama is used as a bridge for drugs produced in South America and whose main destination is the United States, the largest consumer of cocaine in the world, and also Europe. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/3202-drug-packages-seized-today Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 19 Moderators Share Posted April 19 Quote Man Arrested by Interpol at Tocumen Airport Panama Posted 18/04/2024 Through police units of the National Central Office of Interpol Panama, the arrest of a Jamaican citizen requested by the United States of America was accomplished. Interpol captured a 52-year old Jamaican man at the Tocumen airport Wednesday April 17 2024 after he arrived in transit through Panama, from Medellín Colombia with his final destination being Jamaica. The citizen is wanted by the Superior Prosecutor's Office for International Affairs at the request of the US Courts for the crime of drug trafficking. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/man-arrested-by-interpol-at-tocumen-airport-panama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 22 Moderators Share Posted April 22 Quote 51 Persons Apprehended for Drugs and Money Laundering Posted 21/04/2024 Some 51 people were apprehended during the development of operations called “Exodus” and “Ballena”, which were carried out in the provinces of Panama, Colón, Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Herrera and Los Santos. According to Panamanian authorities, the purpose of these operations was to dismantle two criminal groups allegedly dedicated to the commission of crimes such as international drug trafficking, and money laundering to the detriment of the state financial system. “These two operations aim to dismantle two operational branches of the same criminal group led by a person who is under preventive detention,” said the Attorney General of the Nation, Javier Caraballo, during a press conference. As a result of operation “Exodus”, 33 people were arrested. The First Drug Prosecutor's Office would have obtained information about two citizens nicknamed “El Paciero” and “Yunya”, who acted as the right hand of alias “La Letra” (who has been convicted and detained in the Punta Coco penal center since 2019) for the crimes of assembly and conspiracy and money laundering). According to investigators, “El Paciero” and “Yunya” were the ones who managed the operational routes for shipping drugs to Europe and the United States. This criminal group, which includes aliases “Tuco”, “Yunya” and “Paciero”, was established in Spain and made trips through Europe and Dubai, establishing links in drug trafficking to coordinate the shipment of drugs in containers and by land to Costa Rica. The group sent drugs on cargo planes from Panama and received them in different European ports, supported logistically by alias “Tuco”, who organized the entry of the drugs to the port terminals with the help of aliases “Don Gato” and alias “Negro”.It was reported that, as a result of the shipment of drugs to Europe, money payments were made through international transfers to the Panama banking system, sometimes using triangulations between European and American banks in order to naturally penetrate the financial system. On the other hand, through operation “Ballena”, 18 people were arrested. The investigation of this case began after personnel from the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) alerted about the existence of a group of people, national and foreign, dedicated to international drug trafficking and money laundering, led by alias “Rey”, who was apprehended on Wednesday, April 17, along with a woman in Colombia, a procedure that was achieved with the collaboration of the Prosecutor's Office of that country. Investigations have determined that alias “Rey” is the operational arm of alias “Paciero”, who is one of the main coordinators from Dubai, where he carries out everything related to the purchase, shipping, distribution and payments of drugs, and where he also appears with the alias “Yunya”. Through Operation Ballena, it was possible to determine the great economic power of this criminal group, which accumulated properties in the country, acquired businesses to give the appearance of legality to the money coming from drug trafficking, and had savings accounts, among others,” Caraballo pointed out. The criminal organization was also characterized by the use of encrypted or closed communication through emails, he added. During the development of both operations, 55 search and search procedures were carried out, resulting in the seizure of 10 firearms, ammunition, high-end vehicles and more than 140 thousand dollars in cash. The arrested persons and the evidence were placed at the disposal of the judicial authorities for proper processing. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/51-persons-apprehended-for-drugs-and-money-laundering Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 22 Moderators Share Posted April 22 Quote 14 Million Dollars Seized from Organized Crime in Panama Posted 21/04/2024 Several residences located in Costa del Este, Santa María, Marbella and Betania were subject to raids from the early hours of last Wednesday, April 17 as part of operation “Ballena”, carried out by Panamanian authorities to combat organized crime, specifically in their forms of money laundering and drug trafficking. In three years of management, the Task Force against Money Laundering and Corruption of the Ministry of Security has seized over 14 million dollars from organized crime. That could be quite the money maker for the Republic of Panama. As a result of 26 operations carried out against money laundering and corruption, 192 people were captured and 14 million 648 thousand 514 dollars were confiscated, said the Minister of Public Security, Juan Manuel Pino. “Panama, whose territorial position is privileged, offers an extensive platform at the service of the growth of the world economy and international profitability, which makes us an attractive scenario for the actions of transnational organized crime,” acknowledged the head of Public Security. The minister added that this team also responds to requests for assistance from police agencies in other countries, which, in a similar manner, fight against money laundering and transnational crime, following the recommendations of the Financial Action Task Force. This special unit is made up of the Money Laundering Division of the Judicial Investigation Directorate, the General Directorate of Revenue, the Financial Analysis Unit, the Public Ministry and the Superintendency of Banks of Panama (SBP), with the support of the FBI Federal Investigation Agency. The headquarters of this Task Force against Money Laundering and Corruption is located in Amador. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/14-million-dollars-seized-from-organized-crime-in-panama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted April 26 Moderators Share Posted April 26 Quote Panamanian Reynaldo Pérez Palacios Arrested in Bogotá Posted 26/04/2024 He is known in the underworld with the alias “Rey”, he is Panamanian and his real name is Reynaldo Pérez Palacios. He was captured when he was in a hotel in Bogotá, Colombia, by the Technical Investigation Corps (CTI) of the Prosecutor's Office of that country, after being required by the Panamanian authorities for crimes related to money laundering and drug trafficking. Alias “Rey”, according to judicial authorities, is supposedly the leader of a drug trafficking network that sent cocaine to the United States and Europe. The Colombian prosecutor's office reported that the Panamanian had at his disposal a structure that camouflaged cocaine in containers, cargo vehicles and planes that transported merchandise, to transport them from Panama to different destinations. It also emerged that “Rey” frequented Dubai and other countries to establish contacts for transnational cocaine trafficking and “supposedly” received money through international transfers that were triangulated to European and American banks, to finally reach the banking system of Panama. The Colombian authorities detailed that this capture complements the work carried out by the Panamanian authorities, in the so-called 'Exodus' and 'Whale' operations, which allowed the capture of 51 people, the seizure of 10 firearms, ammunition, high-quality vehicles range and more than $140,000 in cash. The capture of Pérez was achieved in a joint effort by the Colombian Prosecutor's Office and the Panamanian authorities. According to Colombian authorities, alias “Rey” frequently went to Dubai and other European countries to make contacts and thus carry out cocaine trafficking and received international money transfers. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panamanian-reynaldo-perez-palacios-arrested-in-bogota Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted May 19 Moderators Share Posted May 19 Quote Drug Bust in Chiriqui - Double Bottom Vehicle Posted 18/05/2024 250 packages of drugs in a vehicle with a double bottom in Chiriquí were seized. In a joint action between agents of the National Police and officials of the Public Ministry, the seizure of 250 packages of drugs was achieved in Tolé, province of Chiriquí. According to a report from the National Police, the seizure was carried out after the search and inspection of a pick-up vehicle, with a double bottom, at a checkpoint located in Tolé, Chiriquí. Two people were arrested in the operation. Vasco Rodríguez, head of the Regional Police Zone, reported that a sedan car was also verified with a person on board and that he had a firearm. It was reported that the arrested persons, along with the seized items, were brought before the competent authorities. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/drug-bust-in-chiriqui-double-bottom-vehicle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted June 1 Moderators Share Posted June 1 Quote Panama Receives Helicopters from USA to Combat Drug Trafficking Posted 01/06/2024 At the Octavio Rodríguez air base in Panama Pacifico, President Laurentino Cortizo received eight helicopters from a United States cooperation program, which will be used to combat drug trafficking. The aircraft have a cost 11.3 million dollars, which were made available by the United States Government through the International Office of Anti-Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs of the United States Embassy in Panama. Cortizo thanked the US government through its diplomatic representation in Panama and recalled the good relations of cooperation and goodwill that exist between both countries. The president highlighted that the air capacity that the country has contributes to greater efficiency in the operations of the National Aeronaval Service, especially in the fight against drug trafficking and irregular migration. With this delivery, six single-engine UH-1S helicopters are replaced by the INL-SENAN Aviation Program, to be incorporated into the flight line. These new aircraft also contribute to reinforcing relief operations at binational posts, as well as humanitarian tasks that include search and rescue and aeromedical evacuations. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama-receives-helicopters-from-usa-to-combat-drug-trafficking Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted June 6 Moderators Share Posted June 6 Quote 155 Packages of Drugs Seized in Panama Posted 05/06/2024 The authorities of Panama reported this Tuesday the discovery of 155 packages of drugs in two containers from Chile and Brazil that were destined for Turkey and Italy. The authorities in Panama did not specify the type of drug or the total weight of the 155 packages. National Police agents found the drugs during a raid and search carried out in a port in the province of Colón, located on the Caribbean coast of the Central American country. The authorities only indicated that they were found in five briefcases located inside two containers from Chile and Brazil with their final destination to Turkey and Italy. Panama seized a total of 119.2 tons of illicit substances in 2023 , the vast majority of which was cocaine, according to data released by the Ministry of Public Security. Panama is often used as a bridge for drugs produced in South America and whose main destination is the United States, the largest consumer of cocaine in the world, and also Europe. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/155-packages-of-drugs-seized-in-panama Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted June 9 Moderators Share Posted June 9 Quote 1292 Drug Packages Seized Saturday in Pacific Waters Posted 08/06/2024 Busy weekend for the authorities out on the ocean. Some pretty parcels in autumn colors were confiscated. The authorities of Panama reported this Saturday the seizure of 1,292 packages of drugs in an operation in its Pacific waters in which three people of Colombian nationality were also apprehended. The National Aeronaval Service (Senan) indicated on its social networks that the seizure of the illicit substance, not specified in its type and total weight, occurred when intercepting a speedboat in an area of the Las Perlas archipelago, in the Panamanian Pacific. Typically, drug packages weigh one kilogram each. During the procedure carried out east of Punta Coco, Las Perlas archipelago, three men of Colombian nationality were captured, said Drug Prosecutor Rogelio González. https://newsroompanama.com/news/1292-drug-packages-seized-saturday-in-pacific-waters Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted June 16 Moderators Share Posted June 16 Quote Panama's New Drug Incinerator Posted 16/06/2024 Thanks to cooperation agreements with the United States embassy, Panama was able to update its tools for the eradication of drug trafficking. The Ministry of Public Security (Minseg) announced this Saturday, June 15, the inauguration of an incinerator for illicit substances, whose technology allows the pollution caused by open burning in Panama to be eliminated at the root. The acquisition of the equipment was achieved thanks to cooperation agreements with the United States embassy. The accumulation of drugs seized in Panama represents an approximate of 12 to 13 tons per month, an amount that generates an accumulation that exceeds the capacities of the improvised warehouses in different parts of the country. Given this situation, on August 26, 2022, the Minister of Public Security, Juan Manuel Pino, thanks to the cooperation agreements, allowed, for the first time, the transfer to the United States of 1,440 boxes of cocaine packed on a plane at no cost to Panama. The new incinerator is considered a national security project, since organized crime finances its activities with money from drug trafficking. This project, promoted by the National Government, at a cost of 1.5 million dollars, is framed with the protection of the environment, climate change and the health of citizens, through which Panama reaffirms its commitment to generating actions in favor of the planet. Panama is the only country in the region that has an incinerator for illicit substances. During the administration of the President of the Republic, Laurentino Cortizo Cohen, the Public Force seized 589.6 tons of illegal drugs in more than 1,953 police operations in the country, a record figure that surpasses the last three administrations. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panamas-new-drug-incinerator Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted June 17 Moderators Share Posted June 17 Quote Panama Police Seize 780 Packages of Drugs this Weekend Posted 17/06/2024 Some 780 rectangular packages full of drugs were seized on Saturday night in an operation between the Colón and Guna Yala Drug Prosecutor's Office and the National Police. The reports detail that the seizure of this drug occurred in the Port of Manzanillo, in the Coco Solo area. It was reported that the illicit substance was taken to the National Police headquarters in Colón to be accounted for, and it was determined that there were 780 packages of narcotics. The drug was covered with cream-colored adhesive tape in the color of red, blue and white. Investigations have already begun. In the shipping papers, the illicit substance had Belgium as its final destination. This year, security forces have carried out 195 operations against organized groups dedicated to drug trafficking, which has resulted in the seizure of 50.2 tons of drugs. The National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) seized 34,570 packages of drugs from January to June; the National Police 12,355 and the National Border Service 3,278. In 2023, according to ministry figures, more than 120 tons of illicit substances were seized. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/panama-police-seize-780-packages-of-drugs-this-weekend Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 19 Moderators Share Posted August 19 Quote $25,000 Reward For Information Leading to the Arrest of Rico Pineda Posted 18/08/2024 The National Police is offering between $5,000 and $25,000 to people who provide “accurate” information on the location of any of the 11 fugitives who are being investigated for the alleged commission of money laundering and drug trafficking crimes as part of Operation Jericho. For Abraham Rico Pineda, son of Congressman Raúl Pineda, a member of the leadership of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), the police are offering the maximum sum of a $25 thousand reward. While for Omar Alexander Ortega Robles, and Jorge Néstor Sánchez Rodríguez, the authorities promise to deliver $20 thousand. For Annyuri Frank Villarreal, they are willing to pay $10,000. $5,000 will be paid to anyone who provides information about Juan Manuel Aguilar Reyna, Gregorio Germín Miller alias "Gregori", Eduardo Lionel Martínez Collins alias "Ameba", Rubén Ariel Pérez Sanclamente, Luis Diego Pittí, Carlos Rodrigo Bascombe Samaniego, and Juan Abdiel Chérigo alias "Coya". Congressman Raúl Pineda, a member of the leadership of the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD) is pictured below: Why Raúl Pineda’s son? Authorities suspect that Abraham Rico Pineda was the person in charge of handling the money. According to investigations, the network invested large sums of money to create companies. Through these companies they received and sent money. They received drugs from Colombia at specific points in the Guna Yala region, Panama and Darien. They then sent the illicit merchandise through jungle trails to transport it by land to the border with Costa Rica. So far, the National Police has seized 2.6 million dollars in assets and 300 million dollars in cash. Those under investigation are accused of allegedly committing the crimes of money laundering and conspiracy to commit drug-related crimes. Through a statement posted on his social media, Congressman Pineda reported that his son will voluntarily appear before the competent authorities to answer questions and prove his innocence. Below, father and son, in better days. https://www.newsroompanama.com/news/25000-reward-for-information-leading-to-the-arrest-of-rico-pineda-1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 23 Moderators Share Posted August 23 Quote President José Raúl Mulino – Time Has Proven Me Right August 22, 2024 The President of the Republic, José Raúl Mulino, referred this Thursday, August 22, to Operation Jericho, in which some 30 people have been arrested, including Abraham Rico Pineda, son of the deputy of the Democratic Revolutionary Party, Raúl Pineda, stating that “time has proven me right.” It is a small image of what is happening in the country. There will be other Jericho operations in other state entities. A lot of dirty money and a lot of drug trafficking with the sponsorship and approval of officials,” said Mulino. In his weekly interview with the media, Mulino asked the corresponding authorities to act firmly on this issue. His reaction came after being asked about the operation and the fact that in July 2013, when he was Minister of Security, he called Congressman Pineda a cynic with immunity who asked for favors for a gang member. “So, here there is no coverage for anyone, no protection for anyone. And whoever fell, fell. I regret it. That is why they must have thought about it when they got into this dirty business, not now. It is not time for regrets, but to put one’s chest out and face reality,” he said. The president stressed that the country is being cleaned up, which represents an enormous effort and that the statistics show this with the drug seizures that are being carried out. Operation Jericho began on June 30, 2023, when the Public Prosecutor’s Office discovered the existence of a criminal group engaged in international drug trafficking. This group introduced the drugs through the Darien jungle by land, using backpackers. Later, the drugs were transported to San Miguelito, where they were hidden in vehicles with false bottoms and finally transported to Costa Rica. Yesterday, Abraham Rico Pineda’s defense argued that he was a victim of political hatred, to which the president responded that he has no political hatred towards anyone in the country. “I am not using the Presidency or my power to persecute anyone, much less on such a delicate issue. Look for an excuse elsewhere, in the law, but don’t come here and blame me, because that boy is in prison for what he was doing; he and the other accomplices who were caught, not because of me,” said the president. Mulino said that he found out about the operation on the same day and that the attorney general (Javier Caraballo) explained that this operation began in 2023, when he was not even President of the Republic. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/08/22/president-jose-raul-mulino-time-has-proven-me-right/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 23 Moderators Share Posted August 23 Quote Abraham Rico Pineda, the Son of Congressman Raúl Pineda Arrested August 22, 2024 Abraham Rico Pineda has been located, arrested, and will be detained for at least six months, because according to Judge Justo Vargas there is a risk of flight, neglect of the process and destruction of evidence. His defense attorneys offered bail for release, use of a bracelet and even house arrest, to no avail. At the hearing for the indictment, legalization of the arrest and precautionary measures held Wednesday, it was argued that Rico Pineda was evading justice, because he knew that they would raid his house located in Albrook, because a day before the diligence, a telephone tapping revealed that he told his domestic employee to take money out of the safe and that if they asked about him, she should say that he had gone to the beach, but to take a copy of the warrant. His lawyers warned that he did not represent a flight risk and that his rights had been violated when he arrived at Plaza Ágora; but the judge responded that the violation of rights had already been resolved, and that what they were asking for was a pseudo surrender because it was already known that Rico Pineda was being sought for Operation Jericó. Abraham Rico Pineda is now charged with money laundering in the Jericó case. But how did he end up in this situation? Everything started with the investigations carried out by the Drug Prosecutor’s Office, through monitoring and wiretapping. On May 18 of this year, they detected conversations in which the sending of $89 thousand dollars to Colombia was discussed, which supposedly came from drug-related crimes. According to the investigation, Abraham Rico Pineda arrived in a car at the company Servicios Múltiples Rama, located in Betania, with a black briefcase and a white reusable bag, which according to the Prosecutor’s Office contained money, to deliver it to a Colombian. On the afternoon of May 20, Jonathan Parra, a Colombian national, was arrested on the Transístmica highway. Another wiretap recorded a conversation between Abraham Rico Pineda and his father, Congressman Raúl Pineda, where he informed him to call “Fulo” because the Colombian had been arrested, according to the transcripts of the interceptions presented by the prosecution at the hearing. In the conversation, Abraham Rico Pineda reportedly expressed concern that the recipients of the money would think that they had “thrown him out of the government.” The prosecution explained at the hearing that the Colombian had reached a plea agreement for money laundering resulting from drug-related crimes. The judge said at the hearing that Jonathan Parra’s plea agreement is key to supporting that Rico Pineda would be linked to the coordination of the delivery of the money, but his defense argues that the money was for the construction of a house and its plans. In addition, the Prosecutor’s Office alleged that Rico Pineda has participation in the boards of directors of the companies Soluciones y Entregas de Transporte, Mecsa and Servicios Múltiples Rama, and that the latter would have supposedly been used for the stratification of money for alleged money laundering and drug trafficking. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/08/22/abraham-rico-pineda-the-son-of-congressman-raul-pineda-arrested/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 26 Moderators Share Posted August 26 Quote Annyuri Villarreal the Only Woman Fugitive in Operation Jericho August 25, 2024 Annyuri Villarreal, the only woman who appeared on the list of fugitives in Operation Jericho, was provisionally detained Friday August 23. A judge determined in a hearing, a judicial proceeding in which, in addition to legalizing her arrest, she was also charged with the alleged commission of money laundering crimes and conspiracy to commit drug-related crimes. According to the statements made by anti-drug prosecutor Joseph Díaz at the hearing, Villarreal, who turned herself in to authorities, last Wednesday afternoon, managed a vehicle repair shop located in Llano Bonito, a district of Juan Díaz. At the location, cars and trucks were modified to hide drugs, in what is known as a double bottom. Since the scandal broke out as a result of Operation Jericho, Raúl Pineda, a deputy for the Democratic Revolutionary Party (PRD), has disappeared from the public sphere. His seat in the various legislative committees in which he participates has been left empty. He did not attend the Budget Committee or the Credentials Committee, despite the fact that these two bodies have managed important tasks in recent days. His seat in the legislative chamber is occupied by his substitute, Joana Cedeño. He also did not accompany his son, Abraham Rico Pineda, to the multiple hearing where he was charged with alleged money laundering. That day (Wednesday, August 21) his wife, Isis De León, was present and sat in the third row on the left side of the court room. Next to her was Maybel Araúz, Abraham Rico Pineda’s partner. Below, the empty chair by PRC Deputy Raúl Pineda. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/08/25/annyuri-villarreal-the-only-woman-fugitive-in-operation-jericho/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 28 Moderators Share Posted August 28 Quote Most Wanted: Panama National Police Capture Juan Manuel Aguilar Reyna – Drug Trafficking August 27, 2024 Operation Jericho involved drug traffickers, backpackers, hired agents and a drug route. The drugs, which came from Colombia, followed a route through the Darien jungle and other Panamanian towns before being sent to Mexico. The National Police managed to capture Juan Manuel Aguilar Reyna identified as one of the most wanted for drug trafficking crimes. In the structure of the criminal group that dismantled Operation Jericho, the roles were drawn up according to the interests of the organization: those in charge of laundering the money, those in charge of the workshops to condition the cars with false bottoms and thus hide the drugs, those who planned the routes, those who transported the drugs until they reached a safe port, the backpackers, and so the chain advanced. The drugs, originating from populations in the Urabá Chocó region in Colombia, arrived by boat to the Caribbean coast of Panama, specifically to the paradisiacal Achutupu or Dog Island, in the Guna Yala region, a community in the Ailigandí district. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/08/27/most-wanted-panama-national-police-capture-juan-manuel-aguilar-reyna-drug-trafficking/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted August 28 Moderators Share Posted August 28 Quote 500 Drug Packs Seized – Colón Port August 27, 2024 In the so-called Operation Atraque, Panamanian officials seized 500 packages with suspected illicit substances in a port in the province of Colón. The rectangular packages were reportedly distributed in 12 sports bags inside a container. This container had a transit route that included the United States, Panama, Belgium and a final destination in Denmark. No arrests were reported in connection with this case, while the alleged drugs were placed at the disposal of the corresponding authorities. Operation Atraque was carried out by personnel from the National Police in conjunction with the Public Prosecutor’s Office. Investigations are ongoing. 434 more drug packages were seized and three Colombian citizens arrested. The drugs, of unspecified type and total weight, were seized in a speedboat in the El Porvenir area of the Guna Yala region, in the Caribbean. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/08/27/500-drug-packs-seized-colon-port/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted September 4 Moderators Share Posted September 4 Quote AK-47 Rifles, Pistols, Cocaine, False Bottom Cars, Digital Wallets, Yappy, Backpackers, the Darién and a Boutique to Launder Money – Operation Jericho September 3, 2024 Operation Jericho gained relevance because one of those investigated for the alleged money laundering commission is Abraham Rico Pineda, son of PRD deputy Raúl Pineda. Rico Pineda is in a cell in La Nueva Joya prison, while the case is investigated. The noose is tightening and drug prosecutor Joseph Díaz has asked the magistrates of the Superior Court of Appeals to toughen the precautionary measures for four defendants accused of conspiracy to carry out drug-related activities, arrested in Operation Jericho during a hearing held Monday September 2. Díaz asked 3 magistrates Greta Marchosky, Yiles Pittí and Yanelka Quijano to revoke the precautionary measures granted to Ismael Martínez , Kerime Andrea Zúñiga, Militza Rodríguez and Neryethe Jaén Chérigo, and to provisionally detain them. Currently, some of them are under house arrest or periodically have to check in with the authorities. According to the prosecution, all of them actively participated in the drug trafficking network dismantled in Jericho. Thus, elements that link them to the investigation were exposed. The prosecutor highlighted links with drug seizures, plans to hide drugs in cars with false bottoms, the use of a digital wallet to pay backpackers who transported them, and a boutique to launder money. Regarding the case of Ismael Martínez, who is under house arrest, the prosecutor argued that there are “serious indications” linking him to the seizure of 600 kilos of cocaine, two AK-47 rifles and a pistol, seized during a police operation on the Juan Díaz River in August 2023. He is also linked to the seizure of 158 packages of cocaine on February 26, 2024 in San Miguelito, a case in which José Mackenzie, another of the defendants, is also linked. However, Abdiel Sánchez, Martínez’s lawyer, refuted these accusations. He argued that his client was not arrested during these operations and that it was not until several months later that attempts were made to link him to these events. He also claimed that at the time of his client’s arrest, no drugs or money were seized from him and that he also has no criminal record. The prosecution also requested the revocation of the periodic notification measure granted to Kerime Andrea Zúñiga, due to her connection with Francisco Serrano, one of the alleged leaders of the criminal network. They, according to the prosecution, had planned to hide drugs in a mechanic’s workshop in San Miguelito, where they prepared cars with false bottoms for the transport of the illicit substance. These accusations were refuted by his lawyer, Genaro Lopez, who argued that the precautionary measure applied to his client was fair, since it could not be proven that he maintained an active participation in the alleged criminal network investigated by the prosecution. In turn, prosecutor Díaz also requested to revoke the precautionary measure of periodic notification applied to Militza Rodríguez, who is attributed a direct link with Edwin Martínez. The prosecution stated that Rodríguez had full knowledge of the activities carried out by Martínez and that she provided her Yappy account to send small sums of money that were used to pay the people who moved the drugs in the area of Tortí, Chepo, and the backpackers who brought the drugs through the mountains of Darién. However, Rodriguez’s lawyer, Mariela Melgar, argued that her client works at the Ministry of Health, is a person with no criminal record, and that the prosecution could not prove involvement in drug trafficking conspiracy activities. Prosecutor Díaz also requested the revocation of the precautionary measure of periodic notification applied to Naryethe Jaén Chérigo, who is linked to the arrest of a car with a false bottom in the Tocumen area. In addition, he attributed to her maintaining links with Juan Chérigo, alias “Coya”, one of the alleged leaders of the criminal network. Díaz explained that Jaén moved part of the illicit money through the Bizcochito Fashion boutique. However, her lawyer, Alfonso Montoya, refuted these accusations and pointed out that his client was not mentioned in any drug seizure. He added that the precautionary measure applied by the judge of guarantees to his client shows that she had no participation in any illicit activity. In the afternoon, the defense attorneys presented motions to the magistrates of the Superior Court of Appeals for the change of precautionary measures for the rest of the 21 defendants who remain detained, who were able to follow the hearing via video. The hearing will resume at 8:30 am this Tuesday. It will then be known if the magistrates accept the prosecutor’s request or maintain the precautionary measures for these four people. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/09/03/ak-47-rifles-pistols-cocaine-false-bottom-cars-digital-wallets-yappy-backpackers-the-darien-and-a-boutique-to-launder-money-operation-jericho/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted September 4 Moderators Share Posted September 4 Quote 600 Drug Packs Seized in a Van after Panama Shoot-Out. 1329 Kilos of Cocaine Seized in a Speedboat September 3, 2024 Two people were arrested and brought to a hearing. The drugs were found inside a panel-type vehicle that was abandoned near a shopping center in Cerro Viento area. Some 600 packages of drugs were found inside a panel car near the Metromall shopping center, located in the district of Rufina Alfaro, San Miguelito district. This seizure was carried out after a citizen reported an exchange of gunfire between several individuals, who were apparently trying to seize the narcotics. More than three tons of drugs have been seized by authorities in operations carried out in the provinces of Colón, Panama, Panama Oeste and Coclé. The second seizure was when officials from the National Aeronautical Service (Senan) seized a shipment of 1,329 kilos of cocaine that were being transported in a speedboat near the Guna Yala archipelago. The seizures were carried out in ports in the province of Colón. Operations were also carried out in Panama Oeste and Coclé. In the operation, six people who were transporting the drugs were arrested. The case was placed in the hands of the Drug Prosecutor’s Office of Colón and Guna Yala for the investigation process. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/09/03/600-drug-packs-seized-in-a-van-after-panama-shoot-out-1329-kilos-of-cocaine-seized-in-a-speedboat/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted September 7 Moderators Share Posted September 7 Quote Two Panama Beach Mansions Seized To Be Auctioned September 6, 2024 Two beach houses (one of them a beachfront mansion valued at $1.2 million) seized in anti-narcotics operations will be auctioned by the Ministry of Economy and Finance (MEF). This is a two-story mansion in Playa Blanca, in the Río Hato district of Coclé province, facing the sea, with sports fields, two swimming pools, ranches and several social areas, surrounded by palm trees. The house has a surface area of 477.55 m² and its appraisal value is $1.2 million. Anyone wishing to participate in the auction must post a deposit covering 10% of that value. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/09/06/two-panama-beach-mansions-seized-to-be-auctioned/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted September 8 Moderators Share Posted September 8 Quote Abraham Rico Pineda Tejada, Son of PRD Deputy Raúl Pineda is in La Nueva Joya Prison September 7, 2024 This decision was made at a hearing held Friday afternoon September 6 of 2024. The Superior Court of Appeals of the first judicial district of the Accusatory Penal System confirmed the provisional detention of Abraham Rico Pineda Tejada, son of PRD deputy Raúl Pineda, while he is investigated for the alleged commission of the crime of money laundering, as part of Operation Jericho. The court assessed the evidence presented by the Superior Drug Prosecutor’s Office, including the content of a telephone conversation between the deputy’s son and his domestic worker, a woman named Felita. On August 14, one day before judicial authorities raided his home in Albrook, in Panama City; Rico Pineda called Felita and ordered her to say that they were at the beach when they came to look for him. On August 15 when the raid was carried out, the authorities noticed that the safe was empty. Abraham Rico Pineda Tejada during that earlier conversation with Felita, asked her to empty the safe. According to intercepted telephone conversations that support the case, Pineda Tejada gave almost $90,000 to a Colombian citizen Jonathan Parra, who was arrested by the police while transporting the money. Parra reached a plea agreement with the authorities and confessed that the money was the product of money laundering. At the hearing held on Friday, this element was also taken into account by the court, as well as the financial performance report, which indicates possible illegal activities in companies created supposedly to launder money from drug trafficking. The audio recordings intercepted from the deputy’s son also reveal that, at the time of agreeing on the delivery of the sum, his father, Raúl Pineda, ordered him to make the delivery at the headquarters of Servicios Múltiples Rama SA located in Betania. Abraham Rico Pineda was sent to Nueva Joya, the country’s largest prison. His father shown below, insists that his son is innocent. The judges of the Superior Court of Appeals, Asunción Alonso, Leira Terán and Miriam Jaén, determined that Abraham Rico Pineda had “full knowledge” that he was being investigated and that despite this, it was not until several days later that he decided to surrender to the authorities. The judges also agreed that the deputy’s son should remain in prison because there is a risk of flight, as he has the financial resources to neglect the process, as well as the possibility of destroying evidence. They said that the evidence provided by the Public Prosecutor’s Office reveals “a serious and compromised connection” of the accused. The hearing took place in courtroom number 2 of the Superior Court of Appeals. Rico Pineda was connected via a video system from the La Nueva Joya prison. He remained silent the entire time. He listened attentively to the development of the judicial proceedings. His lawyer, Victor Orobio, insisted that the prosecution has not substantiated his client’s connection to Operation Jericho. He added that it only links him to one of the 24 events that are part of the investigation. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/09/07/abraham-rico-pineda-tejada-son-of-prd-deputy-raul-pineda-is-in-la-nueva-joya-prison/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted September 13 Moderators Share Posted September 13 Quote Jolly Old England Joins Panama in Drug Smuggling Busts Capturing 2000kg of Cocaine September 12, 2024 Тhе Роrtѕmоuth-bаѕеd НМЅ Тrеnt, іn сооrdіnаtіоn wіth Panama and thе UЅ Соаѕt Guаrd (UЅСG) аnd а UЅ mаrіtіmе раtrоl аіrсrаft, іntеrсерtеd а ѕеmі-ѕubmеrѕіblе vеѕѕеl trаffісkіng 2,000kg оf сосаіnе whіlе ореrаtіng 190 nаutісаl mіlеѕ ѕоuth оf thе Dоmіnісаn Rерublіс. Тhе јоіnt ореrаtіоn mаrkѕ а hugе vісtоrу іn оngоіng еffоrtѕ tо сurb drug ѕmugglіng іn thе rеgіоn. Тhіѕ lаtеѕt ѕеіzurе brіngѕ НМЅ Тrеnt’ѕ tоtаl hаul оf nаrсоtісѕ іn еіght ореrаtіоnѕ оvеr thе раѕt ѕеvеn mоnthѕ tо nеаrlу £750 mіllіоn. Іt аlѕо mаrkѕ thе fіrѕt tіmе а Rоуаl Nаvу wаrѕhір hаѕ іntеrсерtеd а “nаrсо-ѕub” іn thе Саrіbbеаn, а rаrе аnd hіghlу соvеrt mеthоd оf drug trаnѕроrtаtіоn. НМЅ Тrеnt’ѕ соmmаndіng оffісеr, Соmmаndеr Тіm Lаngfоrd, hаіlеd thе ореrаtіоn’ѕ ѕuссеѕѕ, dеѕсrіbіng thе раѕt еіght mоnthѕ аѕ “buѕу уеt rеwаrdіng.” Не соmmеndеd thе сrеw’ѕ еffоrtѕ, ѕtаtіng, “Му ѕkіllеd tеаm аnd оur еmbаrkеd UЅСG lаw еnfоrсеmеnt dеtасhmеnt fоught сhаllеngіng соndіtіоnѕ tо іntеrdісt thіѕ ѕеmі-ѕubmеrѕіblе – rаrеlу ѕееn іn thе Саrіbbеаn – аnd wеrе rеwаrdеd wіth аnоthеr rесоrd hаul.” Тhе Rоуаl Nаvу’ѕ lаtеѕt drug buѕt, whісh оссurrеd оn Аuguѕt 26, fоllоwеd јuѕt 72 hоurѕ аftеr а рrеvіоuѕ іntеrсерtіоn, whеrе thе сrеw ѕеіzеd 462kg оf сосаіnе wоrth £37 mіllіоn. Іn thе еаrlіеr ореrаtіоn, НМЅ Тrеnt’ѕ ѕеа bоаtѕ рurѕuеd а hіgh-ѕрееd nіghttіmе сhаѕе, ѕеіzіng twо ѕuѕресtѕ аnd 12 bаlеѕ оf drugѕ, rеаdу tо bе hаndеd оvеr tо UЅ аuthоrіtіеѕ. Wіth а tоtаl оf 9,459kg оf drugѕ ѕеіzеd, НМЅ Тrеnt hаѕ nоw ѕurраѕѕеd thе Rоуаl Nаvу’ѕ НМЅ Аrgуll аѕ thе mоѕt ѕuссеѕѕful ѕmugglеr-huntіng vеѕѕеl іn thе 21ѕt сеnturу. Тhе рrеvіоuѕ rесоrd hеld bу НМЅ Аrgуll wаѕ ѕеt аt £620 mіllіоn durіng Саrіbbеаn раtrоlѕ іn 2014. А Rоуаl Nаvу ѕроkеѕmаn еmрhаѕіzеd thе іmроrtаnсе оf thеѕе ореrаtіоnѕ, ѕауіng, “Тhеѕе ѕuссеѕѕful іntеrсерtіоnѕ dіѕruрt trаnѕnаtіоnаl сrіmіnаl оrgаnіzаtіоnѕ (ТСО) аnd undеrѕсоrе thе Rоуаl Nаvу’ѕ vіtаl rоlе іn mаіntаіnіng mаrіtіmе ѕесurіtу аnd uрhоldіng іntеrnаtіоnаl lаw bоth аt hоmе аnd аbrоаd.” Аѕ drug trаffісkіng tо Еurоре аnd thе UК соntіnuеѕ tо rіѕе, wіth аn еѕtіmаtеd 117 tоnnеѕ соnѕumеd аnnuаllу, thе Rоуаl Nаvу’ѕ еffоrtѕ аrе рlауіng а сruсіаl rоlе іn ѕtорріng thе flоw оf nаrсоtісѕ. Тhе Саrіbbеаn ѕеrvеѕ аѕ а kеу trаnѕіt rоutе fоr drugѕ hеаdіng tо Nоrth Аmеrіса, раrtісulаrlу thе UЅА аnd Саnаdа, bоth mајоr mаrkеtѕ. НМЅ Тrеnt, еquірреd wіth 50 dіѕаѕtеr rеlіеf ѕресіаlіѕtѕ, wіll nоw соntіnuе раtrоllіng thе Саrіbbеаn, ѕtrеngthеnіng іntеrnаtіоnаl еffоrtѕ tо dіѕruрt thе drug trаdе. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/09/12/jolly-old-england-joins-panama-in-drug-smuggling-busts-capturing-2000kg-of-cocaine/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted September 19 Moderators Share Posted September 19 Quote 348 Packages of Cocaine Seized During Container Raid September 18, 2024 The National Police reported that in the last 24 hours it has arrested 128 people. Of these, 78 were on court orders, 24 for administrative offences, 16 engaging in crime, eight for micro-trafficking and two for drug trafficking. In an official report, the entity detailed that 48 search warrants were carried out, in which five firearms with 28 rounds of ammunition, 2,171 packages of drugs and the sum of 320 dollars were seized. In regards to drug-related cases, the Public Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with the National Police, conducted a raid and search of a container, which resulted in the seizure of 348 packages of suspected cocaine, valued at approximately $22,620,000. In addition, in the last few hours a car was confiscated and another vehicle reported stolen was recovered. In terms of traffic, 1,600 violations were imposed, including 339 for speeding, 60 for inadequate lights, 14 for using a cell phone while driving, 10 for expired licenses, six for proven drunkenness and one for alcohol on the breath. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/09/18/348-packages-of-cocaine-seized-during-container-raid/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moderators Moderator_03 Posted September 28 Moderators Share Posted September 28 Quote More Than 450 Drug Packages Seized in Containers in Transit through Panama September 27, 2024 Anti-narcotics agents of the National Police located 13 packages containing 400 packages, presumably of illicit substances. The rectangular packages were wrapped in adhesive tape, according to the authorities. The police action took place during a raid on a container at the Port of Balboa. The container came from Colombia, was in transit through Panama and had Belgium as its final destination. On Friday, it was also reported that 59 other rectangular packages, also wrapped in adhesive tape, were seized, which allegedly contained drugs. These were found inside a 40-foot cold container, coming from Peru, with final destination Belgium. Both cases were referred to the Drug Prosecutor’s Office of the Public Ministry for the corresponding procedures. https://newsroompanama.com/2024/09/27/more-than-450-drug-packages-seized-in-containers-in-transit-through-panama/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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