Areas of Panama have been Taken over by Gangs in the Capital and Colón

Fueled by regional drug transit routes and links to foreign criminal organizations such as the Sinaloa Cartel, youth street gangs have established deep footholds in urban centers like Panama City and Colón. In response to recurring gang violence and express kidnappings, the Panamanian government has implemented specialized public safety policies, including roadside checkpoints and strict evening curfews for minors. However, security analysts emphasize that root issues such as judicial vulnerability and institutional corruption remain major obstacles to curbing long-term crime rates.