Panama President Defends Transfer of Inmates to Coiba Island, Cites Drug Trafficking Links

Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino has defended the controversial practice of transferring inmates to the island prison of Coiba. He asserted that all individuals sent to the facility have direct connections to drug trafficking activities. Mulino made these remarks during an extraordinary cabinet meeting in Tortí, where he also addressed the nation's security challenges, including drug trafficking and rising crime.

Mulino explained that current violence in Panama stems from disputes between criminal groups over territory, contraband, and drug trafficking operations. "Everyone in Coiba is directly linked to drug trafficking," the president stated, detailing the policy of isolating gang leaders and those controlling illicit businesses. The goal, he said, is to prevent these inmates from using cell phones and communication signals within prisons to direct and organize criminal enterprises.

"We will continue to send everyone involved in drug trafficking problems to Coiba," Mulino vowed. His comments follow the recent transfer of former Colón mayor Carlos Lee to the naval base in Coiba. Lee, facing charges of aggravated embezzlement, was moved along with other detainees. The transfer, ordered by the Director of the Penitentiary System, was justified by "security reasons" and compliance with human rights and rehabilitation, according to official documents.

However, Lee's defense team has questioned the decision, stating they were not informed of the transfer beforehand and learned of it through family members. They announced plans to file an appeal with the Minister of Government. Mulino also voiced concerns about the security situation along the Panamanian-Colombian border, citing the presence of armed groups and criminal structures in Colombia. He announced increased patrols in Darién, particularly in areas near the border like Guayabo, Cocalito, and Jaqué, warning of the presence of the Clan del Golfo.