Reporting on criminal incidents, investigations, and law enforcement responses across Panama. Stories focus on facts, community impact, and safety developments.
A jewelry store robbery in Costa del Este ended with police blocking escape routes in the South Corridor and arresting the suspects. National Police said the operation cornered them after the theft.
Panama’s police chief confirmed a rise in homicides in April and said authorities are reinforcing operations with patrols and drones. The move aims to strengthen public safety and respond to the increase in violent deaths.
Panamanian authorities arrested 24 people in eastern Panama district neighborhoods during a joint anti-drug operation targeting a microtrafficking network. The case also involved seizures of drugs and cash, with investigators flagging sales near schools.
More than 20 people were arrested in a drug sales operation in Panama East, with police actions concentrated in Pacora, 24 de Diciembre, and Las Garzas. The sweep targeted suspected street-level distribution points in several neighborhoods.
A former Panamanian official warns that gang recruitment is worsening as criminal groups become more violent and less willing to negotiate. He says prevention failures are helping drive the problem.
Panamanian authorities are expanding police operations, drone use, and checkpoints in five zones while also seizing 900 packages of drugs from a ship bound for Italy. The moves reflect a wider effort to confront both street crime and international trafficking.
Panama’s Assembly committee approved a bill to toughen penalties for public employees who get paid without working, known as “botellas.” But after key sanctions against officials who make the appointments were removed, critics say the measure may fall short.
A man was sentenced to 40 years in prison in Chiriquí for homicide and attempted robbery connected to a December 2023 attack in Bugaba. The victim was attacked inside their home.
The ordinary hearing in Panama’s Pinchazos case was postponed and rescheduled for May. The case involving former National Security Council officials remains a major test of judicial accountability.
Vandals stole wiring and copper from a water intake facility in Chiriquí, leaving several communities without water for two days. The damage disrupted daily life and added repair costs for Idaan.
The hearing in the Pinchazos case against Ronny Rodríguez and William Pittí was suspended, extending a proceeding tied to alleged peculado over surveillance equipment purchases. A judge had already taken the legal time to issue a ruling in an April 24 hearing.
ATTT warned the public about fake text messages that claim to carry traffic fines and include payment links. The agency urged people in Panama not to click, share data, or make payments through unsolicited SMS messages.
Vandalism at a water intake in Chiriquí has left several communities without water for two days after thieves stole cable and copper from the station. The damage has disrupted service and raised costs for Idaan.
Seven people were detained in an international operation against networks tied to child sexual abuse material, with support from 17 countries. The case highlights Panama’s role in coordinated efforts to fight cyber-enabled exploitation.
Firefighters responded to a blaze that damaged an apartment in an old building in Colón city on Avenida del Frente. Authorities are assessing the situation to support the families affected.
Panama customs inspectors seized 39,600 cigarettes in David after finding three boxes of merchandise with no import documentation. The operation underscores ongoing efforts to curb suspected contraband in Chiriquí.
Seven people were arrested in Panama during the international “Aliados por la Infancia VI” operation targeting child sexual abuse across 15 countries. The case highlights Panama’s role in cross-border law enforcement against crimes involving minors.
Panama’s Public Ministry is taking part in the international operation Aliados por la Infancia VI, a 15-country effort targeting sexual crimes against children. The coordinated action highlights regional cooperation to investigate and prosecute abuse cases across borders.
Panamanian authorities joined an international child protection operation spanning about 15 countries, arresting seven people in Panama and Chiriquí. The suspects are being investigated for alleged possession and distribution of child sexual abuse material.
Seven people were detained in Panama during an international operation against child sexual exploitation, with raids carried out in Panama province and Chiriquí. The case highlights growing cross-border efforts to target crimes against minors.