According to the report, this figure—from July 2024 to July 2025—exceeds the mere $9,232,000 collected in the fight of illicit trade from October 2019 to November 2020.

According to the institution’s director general Soraya Valdivieso, quoted by the newspaper La Estrella de Panama, although the figures are worrying, they also reflect the inaction they detected regarding the prevention of these crimes.

Regarding cargo security, he added, they are already implementing strategies such as digitizing processes to combat this activity in all its forms, as it not only affects collection, but also public health and the business sector, with regard to unfair competition.

Part of this progress, he pointed out, is the signing of an agreement the day before with the Alliance Against Illicit Trade of Panama to improve cooperation and assistance between the public and private sectors.

This collaboration will also facilitate legal trade, prevent and suppress illicit violations in international trade, reduce risks, and strengthen security.

It was revealed that the Panamanian government loses between $200 and $400 million annually due to the smuggling of cigarettes, cell phones, and household appliances alone.

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