BRIEFS. crime

Police capture alleged drug trafficker

levi cruz/la prensa

Francisco Salazar Ramírez1116397

Alleged Mexican drug trafficker Francisco Salazar Ramírez was captured by police Sunday in Paso Canoa, a community bordering Costa Rica.

Salazar Ramírez, who was wanted in relation to the recent seizure of 2.5 tons of cocaine in Pedregal, was arrested as he tried to leave the country on a 4x4 vehicle. The suspect, 32, was brought to Panama City yesterday, accompanied by two officers who had their faces covered to protect their identities. He is being held at National Police headquarters under heavy guard.

In a brief speech, Salazar Ramírez, who was carrying two Mexican passports with different names when he was captured, told reporters he was unaware of what crime he was being charged with. That question was answered by drug prosecutor José Abel Almengor, who said that Salazar Ramírez entered the country four days ago to collect the shipment that was being prepared in containers in Pedregal.

The drugs were hidden in a false bottom in the containers.

He was tied to the shipment in documents that were found at the scene.

Police also arrested the driver of the 4x4, Panamanian Nelson Irribarren. Police said that Irribarren was armed with a pistol at the time of the arrest.