# Panama gang enforcement and judicial actions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/panama-gang-enforcement-and-judicial-actions
> Updated: 2026-09-11T17:02:06.000Z. Sources: 4. Developments: 2.

Panamanian security and judicial authorities have intensified efforts to combat organized crime through large-scale operations and sentencing.

Public Security Minister Frank Ábrego reported that the National Police successfully neutralized 59 gangs, leaving 121 active groups remaining in the country. In Panama West, law enforcement has targeted groups involved in homicide, drug trafficking, and illegal firearms possession, with officials noting an increase in active groups in that province.

Following these enforcement actions, the judiciary has issued several prison sentences. Under ‘Operation Custodia,’ nine members of the ‘Los Jota’ or ‘JDM’ organization in San Miguelito received sentences between 72 and 100 months. Additionally, ‘Operation Corintios’ resulted in the sentencing of four individuals for aggravated gang membership, with prison terms reaching up to 224 months.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-11: Panama sentences 13 gang members to up to 224 months in prison

Thirteen gang members in Panama have been sentenced to prison terms of up to 224 months following judicial operations targeting criminal structures in San Miguelito and Tocumen.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-sentences-13-gang-members-to-up-to-224-months-in-prison

### 2026-09-05: Panama National Police dismantle 59 gangs nationwide

Panamanian authorities have dismantled 59 gangs nationwide, while law enforcement in Panama West continues to target criminal groups through asset seizures and arrests.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/panama-national-police-dismantle-59-gangs-nationwide

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Cite as: Panama gang enforcement and judicial actions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/panama-gang-enforcement-and-judicial-actions