Panamanian Air and Naval Service (SENAN) personnel are getting praise from the U.S. Embassy to the nation for a substantial drug bust.
The U.S. Embassy to the Central American nation issued a statement complimenting the Panamanian government for a huge drug seizure. The SENAN personnel seized more than 13 metric tons of cocaine during an operation that ended with the interdiction on Nov. 9.
Those SENAN operatives intercepted a tug boat in the Archipelago of Las Perlas. U.S. law enforcement agents provided support in the operation by sharing intelligence to the Panamanian government to help them in the interdiction. When it was over, 10 suspects were arrested in the operation. Those individuals came from Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela.
“We commend the professionalism, bravery, and dedication of the Panamanian officers who made this operation possible,” said Kevin Marino Cabrera, U.S. Ambassador to Panama. “Their decisive action delivers a major blow to the criminal networks that profit from narcotrafficking and endanger communities across our hemisphere. Panama’s leadership and cooperation are essential to ensuring a safer and more secure region.”
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) officials say the operation demonstrates the “seamless” collaboration between Panamanian law enforcement and U.S. agents. They estimate the operation amounts to 10% of the typical annual seizure by the U.S. and Panama in that country.
Embassy officials credited President Donald Trump’s administration for “defeating narcotrafficking networks in the Western Hemisphere.”
They also praised the partnerships such as the one with Panama for ensuring that criminal organizations are broken up.
“The United States remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting Panama’s efforts to strengthen security, uphold the rule of law and dismantle the networks that threaten both nations,” a news release said. “This operation sends a clear and powerful message: the U.S.-Panama partnership is strong, and together, we will continue working to ensure the safety and security of our people.”
