The United States Embassy in Panama congratulated the Panamanian government and the National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) on Thursday, November 13, for what it called a “historic” anti-narcotics operation that resulted in the seizure of more than 13 metric tons of cocaine in the waters of the Pearl Islands archipelago.

https://www.prensa.com/judiciales/dea-apoyo-la-operacion-que-incauto-13-toneladas-de-cocaina-en-un-solo-dia-en-aguas-del-pacifico-panameno/

The operation took place on November 9th, when SENAN agents intercepted a tugboat transporting the illicit cargo. Ten people of various nationalities—Colombian, Ecuadorian, Nicaraguan, and Venezuelan—were arrested.

According to the U.S. Embassy, ​​the operation was supported by U.S. agencies through intelligence sharing, which allowed for the identification and neutralization of the vessel. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) participated in the coordination.

The diplomatic mission highlighted that the amount seized in a single day is equivalent to 10% of the seizures that Panama and the United States make annually in Panamanian territory, which —it indicated— represents a significant blow to the drug trafficking structures that operate in the region.

“We commend the professionalism, courage, and dedication of the Panamanian officers who made this operation possible,” said Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera.

“Their decisive action deals a heavy blow to the criminal networks that profit from drug trafficking and endanger communities throughout our hemisphere,” he added.

The ambassador added that, under President Donald Trump’s administration, combating drug trafficking organizations in the Western Hemisphere remains “a priority to strengthen regional security.”

He also stressed that the bilateral relationship between the two countries is key to preventing criminal groups from finding refuge in the region.

The embassy, ​​through a statement, reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to supporting Panama’s efforts “to strengthen security, promote the rule of law and dismantle transnational networks that threaten both nations.”

“The message is clear: cooperation between the United States and Panama is strong, and we will continue working together to ensure the safety of our population,” the statement concluded.