United States Donates New Hangar and Equipment to Panama’s Security Forces
Darien, February 5, 2019. U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Roxanne Cabral and Panama’s Security Minister Jonattan Del Rosario participated in the inauguration ceremony of the new hangar at the Panamanian aerial base Mayor Salvador Cordoba in Nicanor, donated by the U.S. government to strengthen security operations in Panama.
“Our intention is to support you with the resources needed to respond to emergencies and strengthen your operations against drug dealing and human trafficking”, stated Chargé d’Affaires Cabral, highlighting Panama has become a model on security for the region.
During the ceremony, the Chargé d’Affaires announced the donation of equipment and vehicles for Panama’s National Border Service (SENAFRONT) and Panama’s National Police Drug Operations Tactical Unit (UTOA). The equipment includes pick-up trucks, ambulances, jeeps, tractors, spare parts for drug interdiction boats, and night and thermic vision goggles.
Nicanor base hangar’s construction took approximately one year, and had a $2.1 million cost, while equipment donated to SENAFRONT and UTOA amounts to $2,045,757 and $760,712 respectively.
Minister Del Rosario pointed out Panama and the United States have developed programs and projects to work together against transnational organized criminals in the continent. The Minister stated that during the 55 months of President Juan Carlos Varela’s term, Panamanian borders have been strengthened in order to provide protection to the population, avoid the entrance of insurgent groups and control the flow of illegal migrants.
The director of SENAN Gilberto Mendez, and the deputy director of SENAFRONT Oriel Ortega also participated in the ceremony.