Reporting on criminal incidents, investigations, and law enforcement responses across Panama. Stories focus on facts, community impact, and safety developments.
Panama’s Aeronaval Units seized 1,897 suspected drug packages in Colón after inspecting containers aboard a merchant ship anchored in Bahía Limón. The cargo was traced to a route from Ecuador to Belgium.
Panama National Police dismantled a vehicle theft ring operating in the metropolitan area. The operation is part of broader efforts to curb property crime in the capital region.
Panama’s Government Commission advanced a proposal to bar plea agreements in femicide cases and another targeting adults who push minors into crime. Both measures now move deeper into the legislative process.
A judge ordered preventive detention for two men charged in the killing of National Police sergeant Elvis Espinosa in El Chorrillo. Prosecutors say witnesses linked the suspects to armed shots fired near a soccer field in Panama City.
Panama customs officers retained more than 2,000 boxes of alcoholic beverages during a border operation in western Panama. Authorities say the goods were allegedly headed illegally toward Costa Rica.
A guarantee judge ordered provisional detention for two men accused of homicide in the death of a sergeant in El Chorrillo. The case remains under judicial review in Panama City.
DGI clarified that the person who died in the Torre Mundial elevator incident was not one of its employees. The building will remain closed on April 15 after the fatal fall.
A woman was killed in Calzada Larga after years of abuse, despite having obtained a protective order against her aggressor. The case has reignited concern over the limits of domestic violence protection measures in Panama.
Three suspected homicide-linked offenders were arrested during an operation in Panama Este, including two young men known as “Bubu” and “Neno.” Both were wanted in connection with a violent incident from November 2025.
Municipal Police in Panama City assisted 14 injured people after a crash in Pacora involving a minibus and a water truck. Firefighters and transit officials joined the response to secure the area and support first aid.
Panamanian authorities seized 1,897 packages of suspected drugs hidden in commercial containers in Colón that were bound for Belgium. The case highlights Panama’s role as a strategic transit point in international drug trafficking routes.
Five people were detained in Panama City during Operation Umbría, an investigation into vehicle robbery and theft. Authorities also recovered evidence that will be used in ongoing criminal cases.
Titán confirmed an unauthorized access incident that exposed customer data including names, identity card numbers, email addresses, and phone numbers. The company has launched a forensic review and urged clients in Panama to watch for fraud and phishing attempts.
Panama’s anti-corruption system is under pressure after Comptroller General Anel Flores interrupted a Public Ministry proceeding tied to the case against former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo. The clash has renewed questions about institutional independence and political backing at the top of government.
President Mulino’s backing of Comptroller General Anel Flores comes as Flores faces criticism for interrupting an anti-corruption proceeding tied to the Carrizo case. The clash is fueling concern over institutional limits and judicial independence in Panama.
Panama is facing two weeks of violence that has left innocent people and a police officer dead, prompting experts to examine causes and solutions. The killings have renewed concern about public safety and pressure on authorities.
A fatal accident occurred during elevator maintenance at Panama’s DGI offices, prompting a response from Public Ministry forensic experts. The incident is now under official review.
A worker died after an elevator collapsed at the DGI headquarters on Avenida Balboa in Panama City while maintenance work was underway. A second injured worker was rescued as authorities began an investigation.
Panama has recorded 158 homicides in 2026 so far, with security officials blaming much of the violence on organized crime and gang disputes. Authorities say arrests, anti-gang operations, and drug seizures are intensifying pressure on criminal networks.
Two people were injured in a hit-and-run in Vacamonte, Arraiján, and transit units have launched operations to locate the driver. The case adds to ongoing road safety concerns in western Panama.