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Pan Am-Grace Flying Boat crashes in route from Guayaquil Ecuador to Panama (1937)

Pan-American-Grace Airwways was a pioneer in air travel throughtout much of Latin America. Many remininensce about the nostalgic times of the great Pan American clipper ships flying high ito the Andes and to the coastal areas where the beautiful Sikorsky S-43 would transport passengers in style and comfort.

On Monday August 2nd, 1937, eleven passengers and three crew members were on board a Sikorsky in Guayaquil, Ecuador. The flight had originated in Lima, Peru and had already been delayed 24 hours. It was scheduled to arrive at the Cristobal Seaplane Base in Panama. After leaving Guayaquil, the plane made scheduled stops in Cali and Tumaco Colombia.

At 7:15 pm, the clipper sent a radio message that the aircraft was circling or spiraling downward because of overcast skies near Cristobal. The flight was not heard from again. On August 3, U.S. Navy and Army aircraft spotted the wreckage of the Sikorsky and reported that it was “totally under water no sign of life”. The impact area was approximately 30 miles ortheast of Cristobal.

INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED SPANISH VOCABULARY – A MUST HAVE SPANISH RESOURCE

An investigation revealed that the aircraft hit the ocean at not-less than 90 miles an hour which ended the life of all on board. The fire was a result of the impact. Most probable cause(s) named — Failure of one or both engines due to faulty gasoline system, occuring during spiralling down mentioned in pilot’s last message. Encountering of a sudden severe rain, as altitude was being lost by the plane in spiraling descent, resulting in the(sic) blanking out of all visual contact.  Other sources – aviation-safety.net  Read Article 

Pan American Airways’ founder and president, Juan Terry Trippe, commissioned Sikorsky to design the S-43 in 1934. These twin-engine, 18 passenger, “Baby Clipper” amphibians were designed for coastal and other routes in the Caribbean and in Central and South America. The first and second airplanes, however, went to Inter-Island Airways, Ltd, (now Hawaiian Airlines) in 1935. Inter-Island later took delivery of two more S-43s. Pan American ordered a total of twelve S-43’s; one source, though, says the total was 13. Of these Pan Am, themselves, operated only three; the balance going to subsidiaries Pan Air do Brazil (7) and Pan American-Grace Airways, Inc. – PANAGRA – (2). Two were also flown by Reeve Aleutian Airways in Alaska. After a crash, Pan Am’s c/n 4316 (NC-16927) was rebuilt, using parts from crashed c/n’s 4307 and 4308, as a twin-tailed S-43B. William Vanderbilt and Howard Hughes each ordered S-43’s for personal use. Vanderbilt’s was fitted out, and used, as a “Flying Yacht”; Hughes’ was fitted with extra fuel tanks and radio/navigation gear for a round-the-world record attempt. Hughes later had his NX-440 rebuilt in the twin-tailed S-43B configuration and thereupon crashed it in Lake Mead. The record attempt was never made with the Sikorsky but Hughes did break Wiley Post’s record in a Lockheed L-14 “Super Electra” in July 1938. The U.S. Army bought seven as OA-8s and the U.S. Navy bought five as JRS-1s; some of the Navy’s were allocated to the U.S. Marine Corps and to the U.S. Coast Guard. Another buyer was China National Aviation Corporation (CNAC), of which Pan Am owned 45%. CNAC allocated one of these to Madame Chiang Kai-Shek for her personal use as head of the Chinese Air Force. Aeromaritime, of France, operated S-43s in West Africa. Other airlines operated them in Norway, the Philippines and in The Soviet Union.

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Panama: U.S. Tourist Found Strangled to Death

Catherine Johannet went missing on February 2, 2017. Her lifeless body was found on February 5, 2017. people.com reported what was a trip abroad has become a homicide investigation: Preliminary forensic results show Johannet was strangled, according to Panamanian media outlets En Segundos, La Prensa and Next TV Panama. It was not immediately clear when […]

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Panama: Protests over Political Scandal

Odebrecht case: Thousands protest in Panama City INTERMEDIATE ADVANCED SPANISH VOCABULARY – READ THIS BOOK aljazeera.com / Demonstrators take part in anti-government rally amid growing scandal over bribes paid by Brazilian firm Odebrecht. Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Panama in protest over a political scandal involving huge bribes paid by a […]

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Top Five Retirement Destinations for 2017: Mexico, Panama, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Colombia

Internationalliving.com/cnbc.com Annual Ranking 1. Mexico has always offered arguably the easiest transition to expat life around: Low-cost, conveniently close, friendly locals and plenty of expats—Mexico offers an appealing balance of exotic foreign culture and familiar First-World lifestyle. Over recent years, crime and insecurity across the border have made headlines—and yes, there are parts of Mexico […]

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Some Americans May Dump Trump, thinking of moving to latin america

fusion.net/Manuel Rueda and Tim Rogers reported so for some people who have been thinking about it for years, Trump’s win could be the final nudge that pushes them to make the leap. “I think Trump’s win will be a windfall for Nicaragua,” a U.S. expat who owns a restaurant in Granada told me. “Send us […]

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Panama: The mysterious death of two young tourists

Death on the Serpent River The Lost Girls of Panama: The Full Story The mysterious deaths of two young tourists in Panama puzzled examiners and shocked nations on both sides of the Atlantic; now secretly leaked documents reveal what happened. Jeremy Kryt/thedailybeast.com 08.20.16 The Daily Beast brings together here all three parts of its investigation […]

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Panama: Ambulance driver, staff robbed while in route to hospital with an injured patient

AMBULANCE IN ROUTE TO San Miguel Arcangel Hospital of San Miguelito PRENSA.COM REPORTED / According to information provided by the Sume 911 itself, the incident occurred at the intersection of Chilibre and motorway on June 13, 2016. On board were three ambulance Emergency Medical staff and a patient injured during a traffic accident, accompanied by […]

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Costa Rica: Panamanians sentenced for stealing cocaine, disguised as U.S. DEA agents

prensa.com reported Costa Rican courts sentenced three Panamanians who disguised themselves as Americans to steal cocaine in the border area drug agents, he said on Monday, May 9, the Office of Costa Rica. According to a statement from the Public Ministry, Panamanians wore jackets, caps and balaclava with false badges Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA, for […]

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Panama closes border with Colombia in attempt to stop drug trafficking in region

(CNN Spanish)cnnespaonol.cnn.com reported – Speaking to the media, the president of Panama Juan Carlos Varela said that as part of Operation Shield in the framework of the fight against drug trafficking would close the border with Colombia. Varela said that increased drug production in neighboring countries was a threat against Panama and added that although […]

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Ecuador: President, brother mentioned in Panama Papers, focus of inquiry by Panama authorities in 2012

By Kevin G. Hall and Vera Bergengruen/ McClatchy Washington Bureau In the weeks after the release of the documents now known as the Panama Papers, Ecuadoran President Rafael Correa called out his country’s journalists and boasted that, unlike other countries, he and his government weren’t found in the leak. However, the secret documents show that […]

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Panama: Tax Scam Lawyer, son of Nazi SS officer

dailymail.co.uk reported Panama ‘tax scam’ lawyer is son of Nazi SS officer from dreaded Death’s Head division who fled to South America then SPIED on Cuba for the CIA, brother reveals Horst Mossack is German half-brother of Panama lawyer Jürgen Mossack Told MailOnline unmasking of his sibling is ‘shocking news, astounding’ Father was in the […]

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Russia: Putin/Panama Connection

dailymail.co.uk reported / President Putin is the victim of a Western plot designed to topple him through allegations members of his inner circle used an offshore tax haven, the Kremlin has claimed. It insisted that ‘Putinophobia’ has become so great in the West that if there is nothing bad to say about the country it […]

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Panama rejects reputation as money laundering hub after document release

PANAMA CITY (AP)/earthlink.net — Panamanians have long shrugged off their country’s checkered reputation as a financial haven for drug lords, tax dodgers and corrupt oligarchs. If they’re crooks, they’ve learned from the world’s wealthy nations, they like to joke. That same defensiveness has re-emerged amid the fallout from the leak of 11.5 million confidential documents […]

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Escaped Cobia from Ecuador showing up in Colombia, Panama waters

INVASIVE COBIA SPREADS TO PANAMA smithsonianscience.si.edu reported Cobia, a promising fish for aquaculture, lives throughout the world’s oceans except in the Central and Eastern Pacific. In August 2015, a large number of young fish escaped from offshore cages in Ecuador. Cobia have recently been reported from the Colombian and Panamanian Pacific coast, indicating their rapid […]

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Panama: Lebanese man suspected in money laundering for Hezbollah detained

aawsat.com reported – The search after suspects, affiliated to financial activities for the benefit of Hezbollah around the world, is ongoing; thus effecting US resolutions, which were issued lately by the Congress. The resolutions aim at targeting members and leading companies that facilitate Hezbollah’s activities globally. Most recently, and following the Congress resolution, a suspect […]

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Five Ghanaians found dead on Colombia-Panama border in route to U.S.

ghanaweb.com reported five Ghanaian citizens, presumably illegal migrants traveling to the United States of America, were found dead on the Panamanian-Colombian border over the weekend. A farmer found their bodies washed up on the Turquesa River near Bajo Chiquito. The deceased were allegedly part of a larger group of 35 people fleeing from three separate […]

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More North Americans Moving to Latin America

latino.foxnews.com reported the warmer weather. The beaches. The lower cost of living. The many options for health care coverage. And the proximity to the United States. Those are among the top reasons that Americans increasingly are looking south of the border to retire, or for those not yet ready to comb gray hair, to start […]

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Colombia wants access to account information of its citizens with accounts in Panama

confidencialcolomia.com reported according to the newspaper La Prensa that country reported Colombia is the main source of funds coming from abroad to banking center and the Colombian authorities want access to account information of its citizens, information that Panama is protected by law. A Panamanian banker explained that most of the funds coming from the […]

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Taboga Island Panama: Coral Reefs, Liviliehoods threatened

IPSnews.net reported…The island of Taboga, just 12 square kilometres in area, lies in the Gulf of Panama and is the gateway to the Las Perlas archipelago, one of the most important nodes of coral islands in this Central American country of 3.8 million people. From the air, they appear as mounds emerging from the turquoise […]

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Panama: Ngöbe, Buglé Indigenous continue protest against dam

telesurtv.net reported the reservoir created by the dam will likely start flooding fertile agricultural land and destroy the river’s fish and shrimp. Indigenous Panamanian groups remain alert on the banks of the river Tabasara, as part of a long standing protest against the Barro Blanco hydroelectric dams being built, threatening to flood their land. The […]

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Panama: Two Cases of Hantavirus Reported

critica.com.pa reported 2 new cases of [a] hantavirus [infection] were confirmed by the Ministry of Health in Los Santos [province], one in San Jose de Las Tablas and the other in Tonosi. Nahir Cedeno, Regional Health Director in Los Santos, stated that these cases were a 27-year-old young man and a 70-year-old man, both of […]

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Panama: Largest Shipping Fleet in the World

bbc.com reported Panama, a small nation of just three million, has the largest shipping fleet in the world, greater than those of the US and China combined. Aliyya Swaby investigates how this tiny Central American country came to rule the waves. Thanks to its location and slender shape, Panama enjoys a position as the guardian […]

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Panama Faces Slow Economic Growth

Panama’s new president Juan Carlos Varela’s key challenges include dealing with slower economic growth, rising inflation and the goal of reducing poverty. BY LATIN AMERICA ADVISOR Inter-American Dialogue What are the major economic challenges confronting Panama’s new president Juan Carlos Varela? What do his cabinet choices so far say about his plans? Will he be […]

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Panama: Two Dutch Tourists Confirmed Dead

BODIES FOUND NEAR POPULAR TOURIST DESTINATION OF BOQUETE bbc.com reported the parents of two Dutch women who went missing in April while travelling in Panama have confirmed the two are dead.Local prosecutor Betzaida Pitty said so far no-one was being investigated in connection with their deaths. Ms Kremers and Ms Froon were last seen on […]

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Panama Canal: Contractor agrees to resume locks project

marinelink.com reported that the new locks contractor Grupo Unidos por el Canal, S.A. (GUPC) accepted Panama Canal Authority’s (ACP) repeated request and agreed to restart on Thursday, February 20 the construction of the Third Set of Locks project. GUPC is formed by companies Sacyr Vallehermoso, S.A (Spain), Impregilo, S.p.A. (Italy), Jan de Nul Group (Belgium) […]

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Panama: 9 cases of hantavirus cases reported to date in 2014

telemetro.com reported that 9 cases of hantavirus [infections] have been reported this year [2014] in Panama. Seven of the the nine cases are located in Las Tablas and Los Santos province. There has been one recorded death. A majority of cases have come from the Azuero region of Panama. Read Article HAVE YOU THOUGHT OF […]

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Panama outscores Ecuador for retirees according to IL

eturbonews.com reported that Panama, Costa Rica and Ecuador offer the most attractive programs in the world for retirees—wooing foreign pensioners with special visas and significant discounts on everything from airfare to health care, reports InternationalLiving.com. Panama comes out on top with the best retiree-incentive program in the world, receiving a perfect score of 100 in […]

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Panama recalls ambassador from Ecuador over roe concerning seized shipping vessel

Panama Monday recalled its ambassador to Ecuador to express its unease at the repeated refusal of the Ecuadorian government to return the Panamanian fishing vessel Doria, held by the Ecuadorian Navy since October 13. The Panamanian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that Ecuador has attempted to link the case of the vessel with its […]

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Panama: N. Korea to pay fine to release ship stopped near Panama Canal

intellasia.net reported that North Korea has agreed to pay a reduced fine to ensure the return of a ship stopped near the Panama Canal which had military weapons from Cuba on board. The settlement should end a protracted dispute over the Chong Chon Gang, the freighter intercepted by Panamanian customs officers on July 10 as […]

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PANAMA close to providing universal coverage of AIDs sufferers receiving antiretroviral treatment

newsroompanama.com reported PANAMA is close to providing universal coverage of AIDs sufferers receiving antiretroviral treatment says a report published on World AIDS day, December 2. The report by the Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organization (PAHO / WHO) positions Latin America and the Caribbean in front of other developing regions in terms of […]

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Panama: U.S. expat falls to his death during Thanksgiving celebration

newsroompanama.com reported that Jacob Erhler, the gregarious and well liked editor of the Visitor/Visitante, died in a fall from the 30th floor of a building in Paitilla on Thursday, November 28, while celebrating American Thanksgiving. There is little early detail but police are investigating the incident. Erhler hailed from Seattle and led a peripatetic life […]

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Panama to release North Korean sailors for carrying undeclared Cuban arms

globaltimes.cn reported that Panama will release 32 of 35 North Korean sailors detained for carrying undeclared Cuban arms as their ship was about to transit the Panama Canal, the foreign ministry said Wednesday. Panamanian authorities seized the North Korean ship Chong Chon Gang on July 10 after discovering 25 shipping containers of Cuban military hardware, […]

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Mexican Cartels Operating in Panama

At least four Mexican drug trafficking organizations are operating in Panama and have been linked to murders, the La Prensa newspaper reported Monday, citing intelligence reports. Bureau of Prisons and intelligence reports “confirm the presence … of the Los Zetas, Beltran Leyva, Sinaloa and Juarez” cartels, which “use Panama as a base of operations for […]

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Hezbollah Operations in Panama

rijock.blogspot.com reported that…Readers of this blog have known for years that Hezbollah is moving money to Lebanon, through banks in the Republic of Panama, but new information confirms that the specially designated global terrorist organization actually maintains an office in Panama City. If I have this information, then certainly Panamanian law enforcement authorities also are […]

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Al-Qaeda has representative office in Panama

rijock.blogspot.com reported that…..Readers who were disturbed by last week’s article on Hezbollah Latin America’s financial operations in Latin America, where I disclosed that the designated terrorist organization has an office in Panama City; they’re not the only ones. Al-Qaeda also has a “representative office” in the republic of Panama, where it avails itself of Panama’s […]

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Iran making inroads into Panama

rijock.blogspot.com reported that Panama watchers are reporting major Iranian interest Panama’s new immigrant investor laws, and rumors that a large number of Iranian families will be relocating there are unsettling, in light of the fact that observers believe that Iran will use Panama as a base from which to expand its political presence, and investments, […]

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Colombia: FARC Leader Killed Near Panamanian Border

From lainformacion.com on August 25, 2013- The leader of the FARC’s 57th Front, known only as “Silver” was killed in a Colombian military operation against a rebel camp near the Panamanian border. During the operation authorities seized 15 rifles from the guerrillas’ camp. Authorities noted that “Silver” was a key leader for drug trafficking from […]

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Gulf of Urabá, Colombia: Four Arrested at Border for Human Trafficking

On August 21, 2013 La Hora Noticias reported that a judge in Cartagena has sentenced to pretrial detention four individuals accused of involvement in an international human trafficking organization. According to the investigation, the accused suspects allegedly participated in the transport of immigrants from Africa and Asia to Colombia and then to Panama, with the […]

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Colon, Panama: Authorities Discover 1,396 Kilos of Cocaine in Shipwreck

From lainformacion.com on August 20, 2013- The National Air Service of Panama (SENAN) reported that it seized 1,396 kilos of cocaine on the coast of the Colon province in the Casa Blanca area. The drugs were hidden in a beached boat. SENAN found the stash on the boat after receiving intelligence from the Directorate of […]

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San Blas, Panama: U.S., Colombian, Panamanian Efforts Lead to Seizure of 225 Kilos of Cocaine

From lainformacion.com on August 18, 2013- A shipment of 225 kilos of cocaine that was being transported by boat through the Caribbean Sea was seized in an operation that included U.S., Colombian, and Panamanian forces. The boat carrying the drugs was called the “Nina Darye” and was detected in the Colombian Caribbean by the Colombian […]

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Rio Sucio, Colombia: Military Seizes 1.5 Tons of Cocaine from the FARC

From lainformacion.com on August 15, 2013- Units from the Colombian Army and Navy seized 1,558 kilos of high purity cocaine, ready to ship to Panama, in the border town of Rio Sucio, Choco. The operation occurred on the Salaqui River, in the Embera Katio reservation, where Front 57 of the FARC operates, who according to […]

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Two Africans and Four Colombians Arrested for Human Trafficking in Colombia

On August 15, 2013 El Colombiano Noticias reported the arrest of two Africans and four Colombian citizens on charges of human trafficking. The arrests occurred Monday in Bogotá, Medellin, Turbo and Gamarra. The suspects are accused of involvement in a criminal organization that trafficked immigrants to Panama with a final destination in the United States. […]

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Antioquia, Colombia: Police Break Up International Human Trafficking Network

On August 14, 2013 Infosur Noticias reported the arrest of twelve suspects and the rescue of nine undocumented immigrants after Colombian authorities dismantled an international human trafficking network in the department of Antioquia. The traffickers were planning to transport the immigrants, five Nepalese and four Bangladeshis, to Panama where they would then be sent to […]

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Panama City, Panama: Bail Denied to Accused Trafficking Suspects

On August 12, 2013 Crítica noticias reported that a judge in Panama City has denied bail to five suspects facing trial for human trafficking and money laundering. The accused, which include a Colombian female, a Jamaican male and three Panamanians, were arrested at the “La Jungla” bar, located in the El Terraplén waterfront area. Authorities […]

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Central America: Mexican Cartels Continue Regional Expansion

From El Cronista Digital on July 29, 2013- According to Gema Santamaria, a Mexican academic, the policies of Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto will have no positive changes for Central American countries dealing with the continued expansion of Mexican cartels. Pena Nieto’s strategy has been to limit drug trafficking violence and crimes of high impact […]

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Panama, Belize, Nicaragua competing for North American Retirees

100 Points to Consider Before Moving or Retiring in Ecuador WSJ.COM reperted that the Central American nations of Panama, Belize and Nicaragua are increasingly competing with Costa Rica and Mexico for North American retirees and second-home buyers. New luxury developments, outfitted with spas, restaurants, marinas and golf courses, are on the rise. Builders say they […]

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Kuna Yala, Panama: Authorities Seize 750 Kilos of Cocaine

From Tele Metro on July 16, 2013- Agents of Panama’s State Border Service, known as SENAFRONT, announced the seizure of 750 kilos of cocaine in the Comarca de Kuna Yala region. The seizure occurred on a 45ft boat with three engines. No arrests have yet been made in relation to this seizure. Read Article

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Colon, Panama: Drug Trafficking Tip Leads Authorities to Seize Cuban Missiles Destined for North Korea

From El Pais on July 16, 2013- Last week North Korean ship coming from Cuba was stopped in the Caribbean city of Colon on suspicions of drug trafficking. After two days of inspection, authorities found illegal missiles hidden under a shipment of brown sugar. North Korea is forbidden to participate in the arms trade, aside […]

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U.N. Report Lists Panama as Number One Country for Drug Seizures in Central America

From Impacto on June 26, 2013- According to the latest World Drug Report from the UNODC, last year Panama seized 64 tons of cocaine which accounts for 89% of drug seizures in Central America. The report also shows that traffickers are beginning to change their transportation networks to using more Caribbean routes rather than Central […]

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Panama: Panamanian and Colombian Forces Locate Drug Plantation and Lab

From lainformacion.com on June 19, 2013- Forces from Panama and Colombia located a small drug producing laboratory and about two acres of coca plants in the Chucurtí sector of the Kuna Yala region in Panama. According to plant experts from the Colombian Army, the plantation could produce four to five harvests per year and the […]

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Panama: Over 500 Kilos of Cocaine Seized that Were Destined for Spain

From lainformacion.com on June 10, 2013- The National Custom Authority (ANA) of Panama confiscated 559 kilos of Cocaine in the port city of Colon on the Caribbean coast of Panama. The drugs were found on a container carrying furniture that was heading to Valencia, Spain. During the operation, seven people were arrested who have not […]

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Transnational Operation Leads to the Seizure of 2.7 Tons of Cocaine in Panama

From lainformacion.com on June 2, 2013- A joint operation consisting of the United States, Colombia, and Panama led to the seizure of 2.7 tons of cocaine, valued at $54 million, on a Panamanian beach according to Colombian authorities. The operation was carried out in the Bocas Del Diablo resort area in Panama. The cocaine was […]

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Narcos and Guerrillas in Panama

critica.com.pa reported that a criminal organization led by a Mexican drug dealer who operates from Guatemala, would be exchanging drugs for cash and explosives to the FARC’s 57th Front. This dealer would be the link that poster with the guerrilla group, a report by the Colombian authorities. Colombian officials have determined that this man has […]

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Firefighters begin hunger strike in Panama

A total of 16 firefighters Monday Panamanians began a hunger strike on the headquarters “Ricardo Arango” located in downtown Panama City, the dismissal of seven of his companions. The president of the Firefighters Association, Gabriel Gomez, said that “we as an association we present reimbursement resources, we expect a prompt response from the director.” The […]

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IDB: Central American ports need to improve ports to meet expansion of Panama Canal

The Central American countries must adapt and improve its ports and roads to new freight conditions that will allow the expansion of the Panama Canal, according to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB). Ports and roads in Central America and the Dominican Republic “should be able to download and shipments much larger move, and do so […]

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Panama declares electricity restored, investigation as to why it went out to begin

ETESA initiate an investigation to determine the exact cause of the event that knocked out power to thousands of users across the country. After nearly four hours of registering damage to the electrical system of Panama, Electric Transmission Company, SA (ETESA) reported that it has recovered fully. Read Article

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Panama: Director Civil Aviation claims airports operating normally despite power outage

The director of the Civil Aviation Authority, Rafael Barcenas, said this afternoon that air navigation remains completely normal, despite the national blackout that has been registered across the country. Barcenas, told panamaamerica.com.pa said they are in constant communication about the situation that has occurred in the country and at the moment there is nothing irregular. […]

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ALERT: POWER OUTAGE THROUGHOUT PANAMA

After the explosion of a tank of VOLTMETERS A power outage left without electricity throughout Panama A power outage due to a breakdown in the main transmission line of electricity has left the country without electricity across the country. The outage has caused an explosion in “three voltmeters tanks mainline” and estimated that it can […]

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Panama: three explosions at power plant causes blackouts in at least five cities

peru.com reported that a power failure is the result of three explosions in a mother plant that supplies five cities, including the capital city . There is alarm in the population. Panama. A national power blackout affects the Central American country of Panama from 1445 hours (19.45 GMT) due to damage to the main line […]

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Panama: case of antibiotic-resistant strain of KPC detected

antibiotic-resistant strain of KPC Chitré Panama Hospital officials Nelson Gustavo Collado, Chitre City, yesterday confirmed the first case of a patient infected with KPC bacteria. Yuri Huerta, coordinator of Nosocomial Infection Committee of the hospital, explained that already received the laboratory report which confirms that the patient has the KPC bacteria. This is a sick […]

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U.S. military intercepts 1,700 kilos of cocaine off coasts of Ecuador, Panama

The crew of a fleet of aircraft Customs and Border Protection (CBP, for its acronym in English) U.S. intercepted two boats in open waters carrying more than 1,700 kilos of cocaine worth more than $ 130 million. The CBP, based in Jacksonville (Florida), reported today that the seizure of the drug occurred in two separate […]

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Guabala, Panama: Young woman detained transporting “crispi” drug

Guabala, Chiriquí. -According to By operating “Rookie” narcotics agents of the National Police found a young woman with a briefcase, which was carrying eight packages of a drug known as “Crispi”. The suspect was traveling on a bus route Panama-David.The group of officers arrested the woman in the booth Guabala in the province of Chiriqui, […]

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Panama: cases of nosocomial bacteria reported in Colón

Panama on Monday reported the first cases of infection in the city of Colón (Caribbean) with nosocomial bacteria “Clostridium difficile”, which last year caused at least nine deaths in the Social Security hospital in the town of David, bordering with Costa Rica. The Social Security Fund (CSS) reported three confirmed and two suspected cases of […]

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Panama authorities seized 35 tons of illegal drugs in 2012

Panama authorities in 2012 seized 35 tons of drugs traffickers transported from South America to the United States, said Thursday the Security Minister, Jose Raul Mulino. “The year 2012 ended in a preliminary 34.6 tonnes (seized) between January and December,” he said at a news conference Mulino. In 2011, 39 tons were seized, according to […]

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Tolé Panama: Indigenous announce peaceful protest for January 9, against hydroelectric project

The April 10 Movement, which groups Ngäbe-Bugle indigenous and peasants, convene a peaceful march this Wednesday, January 9, at 10:30 am from Tolé center to the American Way. The purpose of this march is to draw attention of the government of President Ricardo Martinelli, to the expert’s report to Barro Blanco hydroelectric project on the […]

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Panama: Tocumen International Airport to have largest capacity in Latin America

Tocumen International Airport in Panama, will become the largest capacity for freight and passenger movement in Latin America above Mexico or Buenos Aires, said today in Madrid Panamanian government’s deputy foreign minister, Francisco Alvarez de Soto. Read Article

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Spain, woman from Panama attempts to smuggle 1.4 kilos of cocaine in breast implants

Spanish police announced the arrest of a woman carrying nearly 1.4 kg of cocaine concealed in two false breast implants, on arrival at Barcelona airport on a flight from Bogota, Bogota. The woman, a Panamanian citizen and 20 years or so, “had two breast prostheses implanted cocaine,” police said in a statement. Alerted by “this […]

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Menorca Spain: ring of narco traffickers dismantled, ties to Ecuador, Colombia, Panama

Team organized crime and drug (EDOA) Civil Guard has dismantled an organization Balears criminal smuggling cocaine from South America to Menorca. In the course of this operation has indicted five people for drug trafficking and have seized more than 11.5 kilos of cocaine. As reported in a statement, “Operation Robins’ began in late March and […]

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Heavy Rains, flooding continue througout Panama, death rate rises to five

The number of fatalities in heavy rains and flooding besetting parts of Panama has risen to five, President Ricardo Martinelli announced Monday. The president spoke at the inauguration of the 20th General Assembly of the Ibero-American Association of Prosecutors, saying that two members of the Red Cross died when their vehicle was buried in a […]

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Latin America: ports preparing for Panama Canal expansion

Ports throughout the Americas and the Caribbean are rushing to be ready for the post-Panamax future. Currently, the Panama Canal can handle ships 965 feet long that need a depth of 39.5, a size known as Panamax. Once the expansion is complete in 2015, the canal will be able to accommodate ships 1,200 feet long […]

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Panama: President backs out of land sale in Colon Free Zone, after protests

The President of Panama, Ricardo Martinelli, announced that he would halt his proposal for the sale of lands in the Colon Free Zone, arguably the most important Free Trade Zone on the continent according to InsideCostaRica.com. The announcement comes after protests in that city that led to the death of several victims, including and 9-year-old […]

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Police discover 20 kilos cocaine on bus with 54 passengers, route Panama-Colon

Telemetro.com reported During an operation, the National Police found two suitcases, one with 20 kilos of cocaine and other cigarette boxes in the baggage area of an express route from Panama – Colon. The bus with registration, was detained along with 54 people aboard, whenever research when passenger belonged to ask what these unclaimed suitcases […]

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Panama authorities seize 300 kilos of cocaine docked at small island in Darien Gap

he border police confiscated 316 kilos of cocaine in a wooden boat docked near a small island in the Pacific in the Darien province, which borders Colombia, authorities said Wednesday. The State Border Service reported that the drug was seized on Tuesday and was within 16 sacks. Read Article

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U.S. training Panamanians in fight against drug trafficking

Panama is a priority in the fight against drugs, their weaknesses in the area of ​​money laundering and drug trafficking across the territory are a concern for U.S. forces trying incessantly that the United States do not touch drugs. Only in 2010, 48 Panamanian Public Force were trained by the Americans to fight drugs, in […]

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Interpol detains Colombian drug trafficker in Panama wanted by U.S.

A Colombian aged 49, was captured by units of the Judicial Investigation Department of the National Police (INTERPOL-Panama), after being requested by the government of the United States of America, for the crime of trafficking International drug. Read Article

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Panama authorities detain Indigenous in Mulatupo for drug trafficking

Units belonging to Battalion SENAFRONT Caribbean diligence conducted raid in company secretary Ramiro Free of Nargana personality, to a retirement community Mulatupo in Kuna Yala region, resulting in the seizure of 138 balls and three alleged drug marijuana manila paper wrappers kept inside a dried herb, which is presumed to be the aforementioned drugs, making […]

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Nearly two tons of cocaine seized in the Caribbean region over weekend

Nearly two tons of cocaine were seized in the Caribbean in two operations during the August 18, 2012 weekend. The first operation took place near San Blas Islands, Panama. According to Fox News Latino, a go-fast type boat was found by Colombian officials carrying 1,362 kilos of cocaine hydrochloride. No arrests were reported. The second […]

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Panama: “Crispy” drug, cocaine found in home raid

Police in San Antonio, Panama seized drugs and cash during a home raid. During the raid, a drug known as “crispy” was found. According to Sucesos Critica, it was hidden inside an envelope. Another envelope of cocaine was also discovered in the residence. In addition, cash presumed to be the result of drug deals was […]

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Drugs from Hong Kong found in Guatemalan port after passing through Panama

Anti-narcotics officials in Guatemala seized 80 tons of cocaine paste in the port of Puerto Quetzal. The shipment had remained unclaimed since its arrival on July 21, 2012, Siglo 21 reports. Documents indicated it contained varnish, but upon opening the container, it was clear that it was concealing cocaine paste. Officials believe the drugs originated […]

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Panama a transit country for human trafficking; Many come from Africa

Experts estimate that over 80,000 individuals are trafficked each year, and that Panama has become a major transit country. According to TVN Noticias, many individuals involved in these operations pay high sums to be taken to a new country. Many of those trafficked in Panama come from Africa via the Atlantic Ocean. Security forces in […]

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Cubans using FARC trails across Darien Gap Colombia/Panama to make way to United States

Metetí, Panama (AP) – When three days had been walking through the thick jungle guided by two Colombian armed with knives and machetes, a group of fourteen Cuban hunger, thirst and supplies exhausted, felt faint when he spotted a seemingly insurmountable obstacle: a steep, bushy mountain.”You thought I was going to have a heart attack,” […]

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Missing tourist from Israel found at Volcan Barú Panama

Rescue personnel from the National Civil Protection System was able to place this Saturday morning at a tourist from Israeli citizenship, which had been reported missing since Friday, when he was descending from the summit of Volcan Baru. Read Article

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Nicaragua determines Colombian cartels operate in Caribbean after multiple incidents

After extensive intelligence work, the police in Nicaragua have determined that its area of the Caribbean is used by narco-traffickers, particularly those belonging to Colombian cartels. Sucesos Critica reports that last month Nicaraguan officials disbanded a drug trafficking organization operating between Panama and Honduras. Authorities also combated gunfire in the Caribbean with other criminal groups. […]

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Drug mule intercepted in Panama airport; Arrived from Europe with hashish in stomach

Anti-narcotics police in the Tocumen International Airport in Panama arrested a 31-year-old Panamanian man after arriving on a flight from Europe with hashish in his stomach. He was travelling in the company of a 55-year-old Italian woman, Hora Cero reports. X-rays revealed several tablets in his stomach, which after expulsion, totaled to 23. The drugs […]

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221 kilos of drugs seized in Panama during raid, five people arrested

Five people aged 18-44 were arrested after a home raid in El Chumical, Veracruz, Panama. Police seized many packages hidden in black and blue bags, El Siglo reports. Inside were 221 packages of marijuana and the cocaine variants of crispy and pegón. A Nissan Urban vehicle was seized during the operation. Authorities believe the car […]

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“Crispy” drug, mix of cocaine and marijuana, becoming popular in Panama

“Crispy,” a new drug consisting of marijuana buds and coca leaves, is rising in popularity in Panama. According to Critica en Linea, Colombian drug traffickers were the first to introduce crispy into the country. Those involved in the trade have explained that the drug was intended to be sold in Jamaica, Europe and the United […]

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Police thwart new drug route from Panama to Spain

Police in Spain thwarted the formation of a new drug route from Panama to Spain when they arrested six individuals, Panama America reports. The suspects had attempted to create a route by storing and shipping drugs inside ship parts and industrial equipment. 17 kilos of cocaine were found and seized during the police operation. Read […]

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2nd major earthquake off Panama’s coast in less than three hours

SOURCE: USGS

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Pacific coast of Panama hit by 6.6 magnitude quake

A strong earthquake of moment magnitude 6.6 degrees on Sunday shook the Pacific coast of Panama, even eliminate the risk of a possible tsunami, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). The epicenter of the quake, which struck at 18:45 local time (00H45 GMT), was recorded at 370 kilometers south of the Panamanian city of David, and […]

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Dutch drug-trafficker intercepted in Panama

Jan Cornelis Hendril Hovenkamp of the Netherlands was arrested May 30, 2012 in Chiriquí, Panama, close to the border with Costa Rica, for trafficking marijuana. He was wanted by Dutch authorities for bringing marijuana into the Netherlands, El Informador reports. Hendril was taken into custody in a shopping center, where the National Police served him […]

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Panama registers high rate of occupational accidents

The creation of a central authority to audit and unify all matters relating to occupational health and safety specialists suggested, both public and private, with the increase in accidents in Panama. Figures from the Social Security Fund (CSS) reveal that they are registering more than 10 000 accidents per year. Read Article

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Panama: Explosion in “White” Building on Ave Balboa, 4 wounded

Four people suffered minor injuries in an explosion this morning in the White Building on Avenida Balboa. Panama Firefighter Irán Ponce said that the people who were injured were treated at the scene. The explosion happened on the 27th floor. It has been evacuated. Meanwhile, one of the residents of apartment 27-A, Nicolás Soto, said […]

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Italian conglomerate denies bribing Panama’s government

The Italian conglomerate Finmeccanica denied on Tuesday having “paid or promised bribes” in the form of cash or property to the Government of Panama. The company was responding in a statement to the publication by the Italian press reports of new research on Valter Lavitoa the former director of the newspaper Avanti Lavitola Valter, charged […]

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4.0 Earthquake Panama

Magnitude 4.0 Date-Time Saturday, April 07, 2012 at 03:50:20 UTC Friday, April 06, 2012 at 10:50:20 PM at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones Location 9.595°N, 79.054°W Depth 36.4 km (22.6 miles) Region PANAMA Distances 87 km (54 miles) NE of PANAMA CITY, Panama 97 km (60 miles) ENE of Colon, Panama 164 […]

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Leishmaniasis outbreak Campana Panama

Fear for leishmaniasis outbreak Campana. Ministry of Health require further controls to curb the disease. Fear for leishmaniasis outbreak Is increasingly growing concern among residents in the community of Bell, in the district of Capira, Panama West, the emergence of 150 new cases of leishmaniasis in children and adults. Milena Rodriguez, 25, who is pregnant, […]

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Panama: Imported inflation

Panama recorded an inflation of 6.4% to the month of February this year, considered a moderate within the range of measurement, but that the experts categorized as imported. The national director of Free Competition Authority Consumer Protection and Competition (acodec) Cardoze Oscar Garcia said during the monthly meeting of executives organized by the Chamber of […]

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New case of Hantavirus Nata Panama

A new case of hanta virus was confirmed today in Nata de los Caballeros, in the province of Cocle. This is a teacher who lives in El Cano de Nata and is already out of danger at the Hospital Rafael Estévez Aguadulce. So far this year, in the province have reported three confirmed cases of […]

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Panama: Canadian fugitive with ties to Hells Angels arrested on murder charges

A Canadian fugitive with alleged ties to the Hells Angels and wanted for murders has been arrested in Panama. A police statement says Michel Smith was detained Friday in the Playa Coronado tourist region, about 100 kilometres west of Panama City. The statement says Smith was captured after a two-month surveillance operation, adding that he […]

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Protests against mining to start back up Tuesday in Panama

Protesting indigenous Ngabe-Bugle Indians have partially closed the Pan American highway at San Felix, according to several sources. Today negotiations on the controversial Article 5 of Bill 415 resumed in the National Assembly. Late this afternoon the Indians who have been camped in the 5th of May Plaza blocked both entrances to the National Assembly, […]

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Two convicted in Colombia for trafficking women to Panama for prostitution

According to research conducted by the Prosecutor in charge, sentenced today were part of a network that was trafficking women living in the coffee with false promises of work, the city of Colon (Panama), where they were forced to engage in prostitution. Read Article

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