278 drug packages seized on vessel intercepted off the coast of Darién

The Drug Prosecutor's Office of Panama, in coordination with units of the National Border Service (Senafront), seized 278 packages with alleged illicit substance during an operation carried out in the waters of the Jaqué sector, in the province of Darién, authorities reported this Sunday. According to official information, the drug was located "on board an intercepted vessel" in the waters of Jaqué, as part of the patrol and control efforts being carried out in this border area with Colombia. During the operation, two men were apprehended, whose nationality was not specified, who were placed under the orders of the Public Ministry (Prosecutor's Office) for the corresponding investigations, the statement expands.

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The authorities did not specify the type of substance seized or its total weight. However, in Panama, drug packages usually weigh approximately one kilogram, and cocaine is the most trafficked illicit substance through the country's maritime routes. Panama is used as a transit country for drugs produced in South America, mainly destined for the United States —the largest consumer of cocaine in the world—, as well as Europe.