Reporting on criminal incidents, investigations, and law enforcement responses across Panama. Stories focus on facts, community impact, and safety developments.
Panama ended 2025 with 593 homicides, driven largely by gang violence and drug trafficking. The increase has intensified concerns about organized crime’s growing reach.
Panamanian authorities are investigating renewed migrant-smuggling activity in Darién after multiple operations led to at least 25 arrests. Officials say the network appears organized and linked to cross-border routes from Colombia.
Police now believe the killing of former Juan Díaz candidate Jesús Alemán may have been a gang-linked hit aimed at another person. Investigators have identified four possible participants and are stepping up security in Ciudad Radial.
Panama’s Semana Santa 2026 holiday began with two deaths, one in a traffic crash in Chiriquí and another under investigation, as authorities maintained a nationwide safety operation. Officials also reported heavy travel, rescues, medical attentions, and an incident involving more than 100 people affected by bees in Penonomé.
The Public Ministry is asking for help to locate Lisseth Paredes, who was reported missing in Aguadulce, Coclé. Authorities shared her characteristics and contact numbers to support the search.
Authorities in Colón seized 80 packages of suspected drugs hidden in containers bound for Greece. The case highlights Panama’s ongoing struggle against narcotics trafficking through its port system.
Panamanian authorities seized 97 suspected drug packages at a port in Colón from a shipment headed to Greece. Investigators are now working to identify those responsible and any links to international criminal networks.
Panama’s National Police and the Public Ministry launched Operation Nomad in Chiriquí to target microtrafficking under the Firmness 2026 Plan. The effort reflects ongoing intelligence-led enforcement in one of the country’s key western provinces.
Panama’s National Aeronaval Service seized 80 drug packages hidden in two containers at a Caribbean port after inspectors spotted irregularities in refrigeration panel seals. The case highlights the ongoing use of cargo routes for trafficking through Panama.
Panama’s Aeronaval Service seized 80 packets of drugs in two altered containers at a Caribbean port. The cargo was heading from Ecuador to Greece as anti-narcotics operations continue nationwide.
Panama’s Supreme Court has rejected former Vice President José Gabriel Carrizo’s claim to Parlacen immunity, allowing the unjust enrichment case against him to proceed. The ruling marks another setback for Carrizo, who was detained in January 2026 on corruption allegations.
Panama’s Supreme Court rejected José Gabriel Carrizo’s attempt to use Parlacen status to halt his unjustified enrichment case. The ruling allows prosecutors to keep pursuing the former vice president while a separate audit challenge also remains blocked.
Las Perlas has become a strategic narcotics hub in Panama’s Pacific, with authorities identifying the archipelago as a major point for storage and transshipment. Recent seizures and arrests highlight how traffickers are exploiting the islands’ isolation and limited surveillance.
Panamanian police have identified four suspects in the killing of Jesús Alemán in Juan Díaz. Authorities are also stressing better coordination at crowded events to help prevent violence.
A woman was killed in La Chorrera, prompting a police investigation. Authorities recovered a firearm and ammunition during an operation in the area.
A man has been ordered into preventive detention in Panama Oeste after being accused of restraining and assaulting his former partner. The case is proceeding through Panama’s criminal justice system.
Police operations in Chiriquí Province led to arrests linked to microtrafficking and outstanding warrants. Authorities say the actions are part of the Firmness 2026 Plan to strengthen public security.
At least 43 people were killed in an attack blamed on the Allied Democratic Forces in northeastern DR Congo, where violence has intensified in recent months. The latest killings highlight the deepening insecurity in eastern Congo.
A 29-year-old man was fatally shot in Playa Chiquita after residents heard gunfire and found him on the ground. Authorities have opened an investigation into the killing.
Panama expelled a Colombian man linked to Tren de Aragua after migration authorities said his presence posed a public safety risk. The case underscores the country’s tighter stance on security-related migration enforcement.