More than 55 tons of drugs seized in 2008

More drugs were seized in 2008 than in 2007, most of which is cocaine

STAFF

PANAMA. A report by the Public Ministry confirmed that by the end of 2008, Panamanian authorities had seized some 55 tons of drugs. The Drugs Prosecution Office stated that most of the drugs consisted of cocaine.

The fight against drug trafficking in the country captured 53.1 tons of cocaine, 4.73 tons during operations in conjunction with the Judicial Investigation Directive (DIJ) and another 5.7 tons with collaboration from the U.S. Coast Guard, in operations held in international waters.

During the same period, 2.2 tons of marihuana, 112 kilos of heroine, 10.7 kilos of crack and 0.02 kilos of extasis were seized.

The 55 tons of cocaine surpass the 47 tons seized in 2007.

However, the DIJ is still counting the drugs seized during the last 15 days of 2008, among which are 610 kilos of cocaine captured during the revision of a boat in the area of Mariato in Veraguas (Pacific coast).

In 2008, the government requested a greater help from the United State to strengthen its fight against drugs through the Merida Plan, but was only able to obtain a pledge for $11 million.

Publicidad