Panama Detects Three Venezuelans with 76 Undeclared Gold Bars at Airport

Panama's immigration authorities intercepted three Venezuelan nationals at Tocumen International Airport carrying 76 undeclared gold bars. The passengers lacked documentation proving the origin and ownership of the gold, and had not made a customs declaration. The National Migration Service (SNM) reported that the individuals are suspected of involvement in a cross-border smuggling network, money laundering, and organized crime financing. Under Decree Law 3 of 2008, the passengers were denied transit through Panama and sent back to their home country. It remains unclear if the gold was confiscated or returned with the passengers. This marks the second instance of passengers being stopped with suspected illegal gold at the airport in less than a week. Previously, a Colombian national bound for Turkey was returned after being found with over 16 kilograms of undeclared gold, valued at approximately $1.96 million.