Panama Loses a Supply of Fentanyl: CSS Drug Warehouse Investigated

2026-03-25 - 16:43

The Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office carried out an on-site inspection at the Social Security Fund (CSS) drug warehouse located in Pedregal, Panama district, as part of the investigation related to the loss of 19,000 vials of fentanyl registered in November 2022. Sources linked to the investigation maintain that the proceedings, led by prosecutor Digna Castillo, seek to establish the control system used by the CSS for the movement of restricted medications. There are still no suspects in this case, but the investigation has remained active in search of evidence about the possible fate of the vials reported as missing. In 2023, the Public Prosecutor’s Office (MP) formed a multidisciplinary team to conduct an audit to determine how fentanyl was being handled. This team included officials from the Institute of Legal Medicine and Forensic Sciences at the University of Panama, a representative from the Nursing Faculty, and a physician from the Faculty of Medicine. The results obtained would be compared with another report prepared by the Social Security Institute. The Social Security Fund itself also conducted an internal audit that revealed a series of irregularities in the handling of controlled substances such as fentanyl, which led to the application of stricter administrative measures for its management. Fentanyl is one of the most dangerous drugs, as it is 50 times more potent than heroin. Drug cartels often mix fentanyl with other substances, such as heroin, methamphetamines, and cocaine, to increase its potency. Furthermore, in countries like the United States and Mexico, it is sold in tablet form. It is a highly addictive and deadly drug for its users.