Operation Fusion: 20 found guilty in drug conspiracy case

A Panamanian court has convicted 20 individuals for their involvement in drug trafficking conspiracies as part of the "Operation Fusion" case. The ruling by the First Judicial Circuit's Trial Court found the defendants guilty of conspiring to commit crimes related to drugs, linked to an alleged international criminal organization that trafficked illicit substances to Europe and the United States.

In addition to the conspiracy charges, two of the accused were found guilty of money laundering. However, one defendant was acquitted of the charge of providing information related to chemical substances and precursors. The court's decision followed an evaluation of evidence presented and debated during the trial.

The trial, which began on June 16, 2025, involved over 400 pieces of evidence, including expert testimonies, witness statements, and documentary proof. The investigation into "Operation Fusion" commenced on February 18, 2020, and was classified as a complex case due to the number of individuals involved, the volume of evidence, and the alleged international scope of the criminal network.

During the proceedings, seven plea agreements were validated, and the Public Ministry withdrew accusations against two other defendants. The sentencing for the convicted individuals is scheduled for August 21, 2026.