A judge in Panama City has ordered provisional detention for 39 individuals accused of operating a sophisticated drug trafficking network through the country’s main airport. The First Judicial District Judge issued the ruling after a marathon hearing that concluded on Friday, November 21. This case forms a critical part of the ongoing “Colibrí” and “Eros” police operations targeting international narcotics syndicates.
Authorities charged the defendants with crimes against collective security, specifically conspiracy and international drug trafficking. The judge also validated 21 plea agreements previously negotiated between the Public Ministry and defense attorneys, resulting in prison sentences ranging from 60 to 180 months for those who accepted responsibility.
Lengthy Legal Proceedings and Appeals
The judicial process began on Thursday, November 13 at 2:00 p.m. and continued nonstop until the following Friday at 1:00 p.m. Before ordering detention for the 39 individuals, the judge legalized the apprehension of 59 people while declaring one citizen’s detention illegal. She also accepted the formal accusation presented by the Public Ministry.
“Defense attorneys have announced they will appeal the provisional detention measure,” [Translated from Spanish] a court spokesperson confirmed.
This development means the case will now move to the Superior Court of Appeals in Plaza Fortuna, where an appeal hearing has been scheduled for December 9 at 8:30 a.m. The judicial process continues to unfold as prosecutors present additional evidence gathered during extensive investigations.
Sophisticated Airport Smuggling Operation
Investigators uncovered an elaborate method known as “colillaje” that formed the core of the organization’s smuggling activities. This technique involved manipulating luggage at Tocumen International Airport by switching tags from legitimate suitcases to bags containing cocaine. The drug-laden luggage would then travel as normal baggage on commercial flights to Europe without attracting suspicion.
Several airport employees allegedly played crucial roles in facilitating these operations, according to evidence presented by prosecutors. Their positions within the airport infrastructure enabled the criminal organization to bypass standard security protocols. This case highlights the challenges authorities face in preventing drug trafficking through major transportation hubs.
The investigation, which began in 2023, involved coordination between the Public Ministry and various state security agencies. Operations “Colibrí” and “Eros” represent Panama’s continued efforts to dismantle international drug trafficking organizations that use the country as a transit point. These operations have previously resulted in multiple arrests and seizures at Tocumen International Airport, which serves as a major connection point between Latin America and Europe.
Panamanian authorities continue to work with international partners to combat drug smuggling networks. The successful prosecution of this case demonstrates the country’s commitment to strengthening security at its transportation infrastructure. As the legal process moves forward, additional details about the scope and methods of the criminal organization are expected to emerge during the appeal process next month.