Panama tightens curfew to crack down on drug gangs

On September 5, Panama decided to extend the nighttime curfew in Bocas del Toro province, bordering Costa Rica, to deal with the increasing crime situation.

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino announced a new curfew will take effect next week, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. (Source: AP)

Panama had previously implemented this order in Colón province and San Miguelito city since September 2, with the aim of suppressing drug gangs such as Clan del Golfo and el Tren de Aragua.

President Mulino warned that if this measure does not work, the government will take stronger actions to eliminate criminal gangs, especially to prevent minors from getting involved in the drug trade. He called for the cooperation of the people, asking families not to allow their children to go out at night during the curfew.

Earlier, on August 29, President Mulino asked the Panamanian Air Force (Senan) and Customs to increase patrols at airports, seaports and border crossings, including Tocumen International Airport. On August 28, Panamanian police arrested at least 18 members of the "Cochos Sin Terror" gang in a drug crackdown in the Las Mañanitas area, east of Panama City.

Gangs now control the country’s prison system, making it a haven for criminal activity due to overcrowding of up to 60% and poor living conditions, according to Panamanian authorities. Preliminary statistics show that the number of prisoners in the Central American country increased by nearly 50% between 2012 and 2024, with an incarceration rate of 556 prisoners per 100,000 people.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/panama-that-chat-lenh-gioi-nghiem-nha-m-tran-ap-bang-dang-ma-tuy-285199.html