Author: spieper

Panama’s National Aeronaval Service (SENAN) has seized more than 10.2 metric tons of illegal drugs so far in 2026. The agency’s director, Luis De Gracia, announced the figure this week, marking a sharp increase from the same period last year.This year’s haul already surpasses the four tons confiscated in early 2025. The aggressive start follows a record-breaking year for the service in 2025, when it intercepted over 71 tons of narcotics. Officials credit a revamped maritime and aerial interdiction strategy for the surge in seizures.Strategic Shift Drives Record InterdictionsDe Gracia explained that the results stem from a deliberate strategy of…

The Panamanian government has approved a new national program that will use culture, sports, and education as primary tools to fight gang violence and drug consumption. Called “Latidos del Barrio,” or “Heartbeat of the Neighborhood,” the initiative was presented to the Cabinet Council (Panama) by First Lady Maricel Cohen de Mulino and Minister of Culture María Eugenia Herrera. Officials aim to reach approximately two million Panamanians, focusing on historically marginalized communities through direct social investment.This three-year plan represents a strategic pivot toward social prevention. Instead of relying solely on law enforcement, the program seeks to create what its architects call…

Panama Ports Company (PPC) has formally launched an international arbitration case against the Republic of Panama. The legal action, initiated on February 3, 2026, follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that voided the company’s port concession contracts. This dispute centers on the control of the critical Balboa and Cristobal terminals adjacent to the Panama Canal.The company stated it invoked arbitration clauses within its concession agreement. It is proceeding under the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC) Arbitration Rules. PPC alleges a targeted campaign by the Panamanian state caused severe and imminent damage to its operations.Supreme Court Ruling Sparks Legal BattleThis conflict…

The Panama Canal Authority is moving forward with a significant expansion of its logistics services. Administrator Ricaurte Vásquez confirmed the launch of a prequalification process for two new container terminals and a major natural gas pipeline project. These initiatives aim to solidify Panama’s role as a global maritime and energy hub.Officials published the formal prequalification documents last week following an initial international market outreach. The process will identify qualified firms with the technical and financial capacity to undertake the large-scale developments. Vásquez stated the goal is to secure world-class operators for the infrastructure.”The first step was to go to the…

Panama’s Civil Aviation Authority has authorized Copa Airlines to operate 30 additional flights between Panama City and Toronto, Canada. The special flights aim to transport thousands of Panamanian soccer fans to the FIFA World Cup 2026 next summer. These flights will operate exclusively between June 13 and June 28, 2026. This period covers Panama’s scheduled group stage matches in Canada. The approval followed direct diplomatic negotiations between the Panamanian and Canadian governments. Unprecedented Fan Demand Drives Special Authorization Copa Airlines submitted an extraordinary request to aviation regulators. The move came after historic demand for travel following Panama’s qualification for its…

Panamanian health officials are confronting a persistent public health crisis as new data reveals at least 21 girls and adolescents become pregnant every day. The Ministry of Health (Panama) reported 27,953 pregnancies in the 10 to 19 age group between 2021 and 2024, underscoring a structural problem fueled by inequality and inadequate sexual education. These figures translate to an annual average ranging between six and seven thousand cases, confirming that early pregnancy continues to shape the futures of thousands of minors across the nation.Officials confirmed 5,133 adolescents entered prenatal care in 2024 alone. This number, however, is considered a significant…

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino formally congratulated Costa Rica’s president-elect, Laura Fernandez, on Monday. He pledged to strengthen bilateral cooperation following her decisive electoral victory this weekend.Mulino extended his wishes through a public message on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. His statement emphasized a continued partnership between the two neighboring Central American nations. The gesture underscores Panama’s immediate diplomatic outreach to the incoming administration in San Jose.”I congratulate @laurapresi2026 on her triumph. I wish her success in her management and invite her to continue working together, increasingly integrated, for the benefit of our countries.”[Translated from Spanish]Official…

Urban music artist Juan Vargas, known professionally as Jr. Ranks, has publicly rejected official police claims that his 13-year-old son’s death is connected to organized crime. The fatal shooting occurred Tuesday evening in the Puerto Escondido neighborhood of Colon. Vargas issued a family statement calling for an objective investigation and respect for his son’s memory. The incident has sparked a public dispute between the grieving family and Panama’s top police official over the narrative surrounding the boy’s killing. National Police Director Jaime Fernandez stated at a Wednesday press conference that the attack was linked to gang activity in Colon. The…

Panamanian immigration authorities detained and deported a senior international union official on Sunday, February 1. Marcelo Di Stefano was held for seven hours at Tocumen International Airport before being expelled from the country.The incident occurred just as Di Stefano arrived to participate in a high-level mission examining workers’ rights in Panama. The Convergence Trade Union Confederation of Panama, which reported the event, called the action unjustified and politically charged.In a public statement, the confederation strongly condemned the deportation. The group argued the move directly obstructs an independent assessment of Panama’s compliance with international labor standards. “The union confederation rejects what…

The Supreme Court of Justice of Panama has declared the foundational contract with Panama Ports Company, S.A. (PPC) unconstitutional. This landmark ruling, delivered this week, also nullifies a 25-year extension granted to the operator in 2021. Legal representatives for the plaintiffs argue the contract repeatedly prioritized private interests over public good, violating at least 13 constitutional articles.The decision directly impacts the long-term operations of a major terminal operator at the panama ports. It sends a powerful message about the enforcement of constitutional principles in state agreements. Officials now face the complex task of determining the operational and financial aftermath of…