Panama Denies Entry to Three Venezuelans Carrying 76 Undeclared Gold Bars

Panama's National Migration Service has denied transit to three Venezuelan citizens who were found carrying 76 undeclared gold bars. The individuals were detected during a baggage inspection at the airport, where it was discovered that the gold lacked the necessary customs declarations and documentation to prove its origin and ownership.

According to migration authorities, the three passengers are allegedly linked to a suspected cross-border smuggling network involved in money laundering and organized crime financing. This discovery prompted the authorities to invoke Decree Law 3 of February 22, 2008, leading to the denial of their transit through Panama.

The three Venezuelan nationals were subsequently returned to their country of origin. The National Migration Service reiterated its dedication to robust migratory control, international cooperation, and the fight against organized crime, emphasizing its role in preventing national borders from being used for illicit operations.