Panamanian authorities have seized nearly two tons of cocaine from a vessel in Pacific waters and arrested two Colombian nationals, according to an official source.
Panama is a key entry point for cocaine moving through Central America, mainly originating from Colombia, with the United States as its main destination. Since 2023, Panamanian police have confiscated over 360 tons of drugs. By the end of 2025, they reported seizing more than 118 tons, including a record haul of 13.5 tons.
A source from the Attorney General’s Office (PGN) told AFP that “1,702 packages” weighing one kilogram each were seized southeast of Playa Cambutal in Los Santos province, where “two citizens of Colombian nationality were apprehended.” The National Aeronaval Service stated that its units intercepted the vessel and also confiscated a firearm.
The PGN posted images of the seized cocaine packages on social media platform X.
On December 31, Security Minister Frank Ábrego commented that 2025 was “a particularly challenging year” for Panama due to “overproduction of drugs in the region,” noting that Colombia has seen a significant increase in cocaine supply.
