Panama Fights Back After Report Calls Its Free Zone a Smuggler’s Haven
This article is a summary of reporting by The Rio Times. Originally published July 12, 2026.
The Panamanian government and Colón Free Zone authorities launched a strong defense following claims by an international illicit trade coalition that the zone serves as a haven for contraband and counterfeit goods. Officials highlighted that illicit incidents represent a minuscule fraction of the more than $25 billion in legitimate commerce processed annually. They pointed to major investments in surveillance scanners, port monitoring systems, and a zero-tolerance policy against money laundering to protect investor confidence in Panama's core logistics sector.
AI Summary
Panamanian officials and Colón Free Zone administrators vigorously rejected an international report accusing the duty-free hub of facilitating illicit trade.
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