Panama denies presence of Colombian criminal groups

Panama's Minister of Public Security, Frank Ábrego, has firmly denied any presence of the Colombian criminal group Clan del Golfo or other Colombian irregular forces within Panamanian territory. The minister's statements come in response to a report by the Colombian magazine Semana, which cited intelligence sources suggesting that leaders of the Clan del Golfo and FARC dissidents were seeking refuge in Panama.

Ábrego emphasized that Panama has no official information regarding such a presence. He highlighted the country's ongoing communication with 16 Colombian intelligence organizations, as well as bodies like Ameripol and the Binational Border Commission. While acknowledging Semana's reputation for reliable sources, Ábrego indicated that any intelligence validating such claims might still be under review and not yet officially relayed to Panama.

The minister also addressed remarks made by Colombia's president-elect, Abelardo de la Espriella, who had publicly stated that some Clan del Golfo members were fleeing to Panama. Ábrego assured that Panama has not been a haven for such groups for many years, recalling past efforts in the early 2010s that cleared Colombian guerrilla and paramilitary camps from the Darién province and Guna Yala region. He affirmed that three binational bases along the border with Colombia are actively monitoring areas known for coca cultivation, with continuous presence from Colombian police and army.