Panama deploys 2,494 agents in prison crackdown after mass escape

Panama's Ministry of Public Security has initiated "Operation Cerrojo," a large-scale security operation involving 2,494 agents, to regain control and enhance security at the La Joyita prison. This move comes in the wake of a significant escape where 195 inmates fled the facility.

The operation mobilizes a substantial force, comprising 1,754 members of the National Police, 385 from the National Border Service, and 355 from the National Aeronaval Service. These agents are conducting intensive surveillance, inspections, and searches across different sections of the controversial prison. The primary goal is to prevent illicit activities and bolster existing security measures.

This deployment is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the operational capabilities of security forces and establish a consistent presence within the country's penitentiary centers. Authorities emphasize that these actions are crucial for ensuring compliance with security regulations, maintaining public order, and stabilizing the national prison system.

So far, authorities have reported the recapture of 154 of the 195 inmates who escaped. The operation underscores the ongoing challenges in managing Panama's prison system and the government's commitment to restoring order and security within its facilities.