Illegal gold extraction discovered in Panama stream; six people apprehended

Six individuals, including two adolescents, have been apprehended for their alleged involvement in illegal gold extraction activities along the Río María Prieto stream. The arrests occurred during a preventive patrol operation in an area known as Corredor de Los Pobres, within the Pedregal district of Panama City.

The operation was conducted by the Specialized Environmental Multidisciplinary Team (EME-Ambiente), with support from the Intelligence Unit Against Environmental Crimes (UCDA), the Environmental Judicial Investigation Directorate (DIJ) Ambiental, the Environmental Police, and the National Border Service (Senafront). Authorities acted upon receiving information about the presence of individuals engaged in illegal mining, which was reportedly causing ecosystem damage, including diverting the stream's course and degrading the soil.

During the operation, four adults and two minors were detained. The adolescents were handed over to the relevant authorities, including the Child and Adolescent Police and the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents, and Family (Senniaf). All those apprehended were informed of their arrest for the alleged commission of crimes against the environment and territorial ordering, specifically crimes against natural resources.

Authorities confiscated implements believed to have been used for illegal gold extraction, including shovels, gold pans, sluices, plastic buckets, a hose with a filter, a gasoline tank, a hoe, and a motor pump. Technical personnel from the Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente) issued citations to continue the administrative process. The detainees were transferred to the 14th Metro Norte Police Zone, Caimitillo sub-station, for legal procedures.

Article 399 of the Penal Code stipulates prison sentences ranging from three to six years for anyone who, in violation of environmental protection norms, destroys, extracts, contaminates, or carries out illegal extraction of mineral resources, thereby affecting the ecological balance or water sources. Furthermore, Law 41 of 1998, the General Environmental Law, prohibits clandestine interventions in riverbeds and protected areas.