Crime

Drugs, murders linked to police

Investigators looking into a drug ring that ran cocaine between Colombia and Costa Rica using a network that allegedly included police officers, customs agents and other government officials, now think the group may have committed up to three murders.

A prosecutor said that at least three homicides in Chiriquí may have been committed by members of the drug ring, which is suspected of smuggling a ton of cocaine through the country this year.

The victims include a truck driver and two businessmen.

Three more individuals were charged in the case yesterday, bringing the total number of arrests to more than 40.

Those arrested yesterday are Nicaraguan businessman Salin Salem, his partner Antoni Luis Andujar, a Dominican, and Panamanian Sixto Villarreal. Additionally, two more police officers were questioned yesterday. Their cell phone numbers appeared on a list of calls made by the apparent head of the drug ring. Those officers have not yet been charged.

Of those arrested so far, 11 are police officers.