Panama - October 2024

On 10 October, President José Raúl Mulino announced his government’s strategy to combat gang activity. Known as operation Panama 3.0, the strategy aims to eradicate gang violence and crime by strengthening the national police with the incorporation of 1,032 additional agents, as well as through patrolling, checkpoints and community outreach. The strategy will be implemented in regions particularly affected by violence, including Colón, Panama West and San Miguelito. The strategy comes weeks after Mulino announced the implementation of regional curfews for minors, which have now been extended and will continue to be assessed periodically. According to government officials, by late October the rate of certain crimes considered of high impact had reduced by 71 per cent; over 2,900 people had been detained and illicit drugs, vehicles and cash had been seized and secured.

Sources: Presidencia Panamá, International IDEA, Telemetro, Prensa Latina, En Segundos