Border crossings by colombians common

The incursion of Colombians into Panama in Darién border towns is a common practice, according to an investigation by the Ministerio Público.

The investigation was launched after looting was reported at a store in the town of Bajo Chiquito on Aug. 1. Merchants there said that it is not uncommon for Colombians to enter the town to buy groceries and other items.

The merchants did not specify if the Colombian were members of the guerilla organization FARC, which is known to operate extensively in the border area, and which has been linked to drug trafficking.

In most cases, those interviewed said, the insurgents pay with dollars, but on Aug. 1 they tried to pay with Colombian pesos. One store owner refused to accept them, and that store was looted, prompting the complaint.

The four other store owners in the town either accepted the Colombian currency or extended credit to the group.