{"id":13652,"date":"2026-05-29T14:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-05-29T19:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/?p=13652"},"modified":"2026-05-28T13:32:38","modified_gmt":"2026-05-28T18:32:38","slug":"us-donates-4-scanners-to-colon-free-trade-zone-for-security","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/technology\/us-donates-4-scanners-to-colon-free-trade-zone-for-security\/","title":{"rendered":"US Donates 4 Scanners to Colon Free Trade Zone for Security"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Colon Free Trade Zone<\/strong><\/a> received two modern X-ray scanners on Thursday. The United States government donated the equipment as part of a bilateral cooperation program. Officials said the technology targets narcotrafficking and contraband in the country’s largest duty-free area.<\/p>\n

The inauguration ceremony took place in Colon, Panama. Soraya Valdivieso, the director general of the Panama Customs Authority<\/a>, led the event. She was joined by Presidential Minister Juan Carlos Orillac, who represented the president. Luisa Napolitano, the general manager of the Colon Free Trade Zone<\/strong>, also attended. US Ambassador to Panama Kevin Marino Cabrera participated as well.<\/p>\n

\"Aerial
By Administraci\u00f3n de la Zona Libre de Col\u00f3n – Zona Libre de Col\u00f3n (entidad aut\u00f3noma de la Rep\u00fablica de Panam\u00e1), CC0, https:\/\/commons.wikimedia.org\/w\/index.php?curid=36301259<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

US Donates Four Scanners Worth Over 14 Million Dollars<\/h2>\n

Ambassador Cabrera confirmed these are the first two of four total scanners. The entire donation is valued at more than 14 million dollars. “We are working together for the improvement of our region,” Cabrera said. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

“Today we inaugurate two scanners that form part of four pieces of equipment destined to strengthen security and combat narcotrafficking and illicit activities,” Cabrera stated. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The ambassador explained these machines will inspect cargo moving through the zone more efficiently. The Colon Free Trade Zone<\/strong> ranks as the second largest free trade area in the world. Officials aim to guarantee regulatory compliance and reinforce commercial transparency.<\/p>\n

Historic Cooperation Between Customs and Free Zone Authorities<\/h2>\n

Luisa Napolitano emphasized this marks a turning point for the zone’s international reputation. She said the initiative builds investor confidence. “For the first time in history, the Colon Free Trade Zone<\/strong> and the National Customs Authority have worked as sister institutions,” Napolitano said. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

“We are creating trust, stability, traceability and transparency for national and international investors,” she added. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

These new scanners join other equipment already deployed nationwide. One additional unit will be installed soon in the Guabito sector. The technology helps prevent illicit merchandise trafficking and strengthens the fight against organized crime.<\/p>\n

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Embessador Kevin Marino Cabrera by social networks of Embajador Kevin Marino Cabrera<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Strengthening Bilateral Security Cooperation<\/h2>\n

The donation falls under broader Panama-United States bilateral security cooperation<\/a> efforts. Both governments share a commitment to disrupting criminal networks operating in the region. The scanners provide non-invasive inspection capabilities for cargo containers and vehicles.<\/p>\n

Customs officials can now screen shipments without opening every container. This speeds up legitimate trade while catching illegal goods. The technology detects hidden compartments, drugs, weapons and undeclared merchandise.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Kevin Marino Cabrera<\/a> has prioritized security assistance since arriving in Panama. His office previously announced funding for migrant waste cleanup operations. The scanner donation represents another tangible outcome of the partnership.<\/p>\n

The Colon Free Trade Zone<\/strong> handles billions of dollars in annual commerce. Its strategic location near the Panama Canal makes it a critical logistics hub. But that same position also attracts criminal elements seeking to exploit trade flows.<\/p>\n

Authorities reported that the new equipment will operate 24 hours a day. Trained customs personnel will manage the scanning operations. Data from the scanners integrates with national security databases.<\/p>\n

Presidential Minister Orillac praised the collaboration between Panama and the United States. He noted that security improvements protect both Panamanian citizens and international businesses. The government plans to expand scanning capacity at other ports and borders.<\/p>\n

The Guabito installation will cover the border crossing with Costa Rica. That area has seen increased enforcement activity in recent months. Smugglers often attempt to move goods through less monitored routes.<\/p>\n

Napolitano stressed that the free zone’s future depends on maintaining high security standards. “We want the world to see Colon as a safe and reliable place to do business,” she said. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

The scanner project required months of preparation and infrastructure upgrades. US technical teams provided training for Panamanian operators. Maintenance agreements ensure the equipment remains operational for years to come.<\/p>\n

Customs Director Valdivieso called the day historic for her agency. She said the technology transforms how Panama manages its borders. “We are moving from reactive inspections to proactive detection,” she explained. [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n

The remaining two scanners will arrive in Panama within six months. Officials did not specify their exact deployment locations. But they confirmed the equipment will serve strategic entry points for commercial traffic.<\/p>\n

Panama has intensified its anti-drug operations across multiple fronts. The country seized record amounts of cocaine in 2023. Law enforcement agencies coordinate with US counterparts through joint task forces.<\/p>\n

Trade volume in the Colon Free Trade Zone<\/strong> has fluctuated in recent years. Global supply chain disruptions and regional competition have created challenges. But the zone remains a vital economic engine for Panama’s Atlantic region.<\/p>\n

Local businesses welcomed the security upgrades. They hope reduced illicit activity will attract more international buyers. The zone employs thousands of Panamanians directly and indirectly.<\/p>\n

Ambassador Cabrera concluded his remarks by reaffirming US commitment to Panama’s security. “This is not just about equipment,” he said. “It is about partnership and shared responsibility.” [Translated from Spanish]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The Colon Free Trade Zone received two modern X-ray scanners on Thursday. The United States government donated the equipment as part of a bilateral cooperation program. Officials said the technology targets narcotrafficking and contraband in the country’s largest duty-free area. The inauguration ceremony took place in Colon, Panama. Soraya Valdivieso, the director general of the<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12350,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[392,36],"tags":[2073,4546,674],"class_list":["post-13652","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-technology","category-investments","tag-colon-free-trade-zone","tag-narcotrafficking","tag-panama-customs"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13652","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13652"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13652\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13653,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13652\/revisions\/13653"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12350"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13652"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13652"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/expat-times.com\/panama\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13652"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}