Panama: Spike in gang violence in Colón

Event

The National Police have been deployed to maintain order in the port city of Colón beginning on Wednesday, May 10, following a spike in gang-related violence. At least 28 murders have been reported in the city since the beginning of the year, mainly due to turf wars between rival drug trafficking gangs. Since the beginning of the week alone (as of May 10), at least eight shootings have been reported in central zones.

An increased security presence, including police checkpoints, is to be anticipated in the city until further notice.

Context

The gangs are reportedly fighting, at least in part, over access to shipping containers in the city’s port, located at the mouth of the Panama Canal, used by crime groups to smuggle drugs to European markets.

Advice

Individuals in Colón are advised to follow any instructions issued by the police and to always carry a piece of identification in anticipation of checkpoints. Remain vigilant and keep in mind that criminals are often armed; in the event of an assault, never offer resistance and adopt a cooperative manner.