In less than a week, security forces dismantled two criminal organizations dedicated to international drug trafficking, money laundering and other crimes to the detriment of the State’s financial system.
Through “Operation Exodus” and “Operation Whale”, carried out in Panama, Colón, Panamá Oeste, Coclé, Herrera and Los Santos, more than 200 thousand dollars, high-end cars, luxury houses and fine jewelry were seized, which demonstrates the importance of having a domain forfeiture law in the country.
The Minister of Public Security, Juan Manuel Pino, reiterated that Panama needs this law to combat transnational organized crime, pursue and remove the financial muscle of these criminal organizations. “We are at the right time because we are getting ahead of the growth of transactional organized crime,” said Minister Pino.
The head of Public Security indicated that it is attractive for these groups to send drugs to Europe, since in countries like Belgium, a kilo has a value of 90 thousand dollars.
“This law has been approved in other countries, which is effective and efficient. If we had had the Asset Forfeiture Law, the expropriation would have been immediate and these assets would go to preventive social issues,” added the Minister.
From January to date, the Public Force, in more than 130 operations against drug trafficking, has seized more than 35 tons of drugs.
