Panamanian authorities and US attorneys met on drug trafficking from Costa Rica and other Latin American countries 092021

- Panama Public Ministry photo -

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Published on Monday, September 20, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff and wire services

Attorney General Javier Caraballo, of the Republic of Panama, joined Acting Texas Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei and other U.S. authorities to discuss investigations and advancements in joint efforts to curtail transnational criminal organizations operating between the United States and Panama, announced the U.S. Department of Justice.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office Eastern District of Texas, during the meeting, officials discussed significant cases involving the encroachment of the Colombian Cartel, “Clan del Golfo,” into Panama.

"The Clan del Golfo is a drug trafficking organization responsible for multi-ton cocaine shipments originating from Colombia, Ecuador, Panama, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and Mexico for further distribution to the United States," the U.S. Department of Justice said in its statement. "The organization (uses) airplanes, go-fast boats, semi-tractor trailer trucks, and passenger vehicles to transport the majority of its cocaine shipments."

Federal prosecutors and law enforcement agencies in the Eastern District of Texas, EDTX, have worked with Latin American countries to extradite and prosecute drug traffickers who continue to target the United States as a final destination for their drug trafficking enterprises. The partnership between EDTX and Panama, in particular, has generated tremendous results, with anti-narcotics operations resulting in the seizure of over 145 tons of cocaine and 75 defendants extradited to the Eastern District.

“Protecting our communities, fighting the scourge of drug and human trafficking, and combating money laundering and fraud requires a strong relationship and effective communication between national partners with shared values including a commitment to the rule of law,” Acting U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei said. “That is why the United States is grateful for the cooperation of the Republic of Panama, and in particular the support of today’s guest, Attorney General for the Republic of Panama, Javier Caraballo Salazar. Panama is a vital partner to the United States in fighting transnational organized crime, counter-narcotics, and border security. And since taking office earlier this year, Attorney General Caraballo has continued and strengthened that partnership.”

These cases are the result of extensive joint investigations by the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces, OCDETF. The agents and prosecutors handle complex investigations and prosecutions of the highest-level drug traffickers, money launderers, and other priority transnational criminal organizations that threaten the citizens of the United States.

While in Costa Rica, the U.S. Coast Guards have been continuously aiding Costa Rican authorities in detaining drug trafficking suspects. Last week, they supported Costa Rican police forces in two of three anti-drug operations.

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What should the U.S. authorities do to stop drug trafficking in Latin America? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com