José Ruís, the general manager of Tocumen International Airport, has publicly confirmed that current and former airport employees are suspected of involvement in an international drug trafficking network. The announcement came during a press conference on Wednesday following a major investigation by the Public Ministry that uncovered a scheme to smuggle illicit substances to Europe. Ruís stated that his administration has already taken steps to bolster security presence at the airport in response to the criminal activity.
Authorities dismantled the ring, which allegedly manipulated passenger luggage tags to route bags containing drugs to accomplices in destination countries. The investigation, dubbed Operative Eros and Operative Colibrí, led to a significant number of arrests with international cooperation. In total, 44 individuals were apprehended under Operative Eros, while another 15 were detained under Operative Colibrí.
Airport Security Overhaul in Progress
Manager José Ruís addressed the security failures directly. He explained that since the start of his administration, there has been a concerted effort to reinforce the presence of the Servicio Nacional Aeronaval throughout the airport’s facilities. A new logistical security center was also established to inspect various operations, with a specific focus on cargo area activities. These measures represent a proactive attempt to regain control over the complex security environment at the nation’s primary air gateway.
Ruís provided a stark assessment of the situation during his public remarks. He acknowledged the deep-seated nature of the problem and the involvement of individuals trusted with airport operations.
It is confirmed that officials and former officials of this air terminal would be linked to the alleged crime of international drug trafficking, [Translated from Spanish]
This admission highlights the serious challenge facing the Tocumen International Airport, a major Latin American hub. The statement from management confirms the worst fears about internal corruption facilitating the flow of narcotics through Panamanian infrastructure.
José Ruiz, gerente de @tocumenaero, se refirió al desmantelamiento de una red dedicada al tráfico internacional de drogas y de la que formaban parte extrabajadores y trabajadores del aeropuerto.
Ruiz explicó cómo operaban. "Llegaba el pasajero, los maleteros ponían la colilla,… pic.twitter.com/O7wArfw5LQ
— Telemetro Reporta (@TReporta) November 13, 2025
International Collaboration Uncovers Elaborate Scheme
Drug prosecutor Julio Villarreal detailed the sophisticated method used by the criminal organization. The group allegedly tampered with the identification tags on passenger luggage. They placed these tags onto bags that contained drugs, ensuring the illicit cargo would be loaded onto flights and then retrieved by partners upon arrival in Europe. This technique allowed the traffickers to bypass standard security checks by exploiting the legitimate baggage handling system.
The investigation benefited from critical collaboration with law enforcement agencies in Spain and France. This international partnership was essential for tracking the network’s operations across borders and understanding the full scope of the conspiracy. The joint effort demonstrates the global nature of the fight against drug trafficking and the importance of shared intelligence.
Villarreal emphasized that the two operatives, Eros and Colibrí, stemmed from a single, overarching investigation. The successful takedown of this network deals a significant blow to a key smuggling route from Central America to European markets. The Ministry of Public Security (Panama) is now under pressure to demonstrate that these arrests will lead to lasting improvements in airport security protocols.
For Tocumen Airport, the immediate next steps involve a thorough internal review and continued cooperation with the judicial authorities. The confirmation of staff involvement in a major drug ring represents a severe reputational crisis. Restoring confidence among airlines, passengers, and international partners will require transparent and decisive action in the coming weeks. The airport’s management must now prove that its enhanced security measures can effectively root out corruption and prevent future breaches.