News

The U.S. Embassy in Panama recently made a very public proclamation praising a Panama drug bust, citing it as an example of the continued strength of Panama-U.S. relations.

In a formal release, the Embassy congratulated the “Government of Panama and the Panamanian Air and Naval Service (SENAN) on the historic maritime seizure” of more than 13 metric tons of cocaine.”

The Nov. 9 operation involved SENAN, supported by U.S. intelligence, intercepting a tug boat in the Las Perlas archipelago. The operation led to the arrest of ten individuals from Colombia, Ecuador, Nicaragua and Venezuela, and the amount seized represented “10 percent of the typical annual seizure by the United States and Panama in Panama… [and] a major disruption to transnational criminal organizations operating in the region,” the Embassy said.

“This extraordinary achievement underscores the unwavering security partnership between the United States and Panama, showcasing the seamless collaboration between Panamanian law enforcement and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA),” the Embassy said.

The announcement underscored the on-going strong working relationship between the U.S. and Panama, even as headlines tout disputes. On many levels, the ties between Panama and the U.S. remain, from the currency to trade, ensuring Panama’s continued economic prosperity. 

The release touted the U.S’s steadfast commitment to “supporting Panama’s efforts to strengthen security, uphold the rule of law, and dismantle the networks that threaten both nations.”

“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,” the release says.