U.S. gives funds to fight drug trafficking in Panama

The U.S. Ambassador, Barbara Stephenson said: “Panama and the United States have made tremendous progress working together combating illegal substances trafficking and organized crime. Panama has seized tons of cocaine this year, more than any country in the region and is a valuable partner for the United States.”

The money given by the United States will be used to reinforce programs such as community administration and to improve the rule of law.

The idea is that policemen and communities cooperate to help thwart crime and create a safer environment. The other project will be directed to policemen who will be taught the importance of respecting human rights and the basic society rules.

Stephenson said that the latest surveys show how worried the Panamanians are about security.

The United States experience is that the closer policemen are to the community the more secure people feel.

The United States will continue helping the National Police and other public organizations with donations of equipment and by providing training in the different areas of criminal investigation and the application of the law.

Over the last few years the United States has implemented similar programs in Panama aiming to curb the drug trafficking in the Central American region.

Recently the U.S. put Panama was put in the black list of the countries which have problems with drug trafficking and production of drugs.