THE CRACKDOWN  on corruption in Panama’s security organizations and among politicians continued over the weekend, netting senior cops and a top drug trafficker.

At least five police officers and a leader of a major drug trafficking network were captured in operations carried out  by the newly created anti-corruption agency GIA and the Public Ministry.

Those arrested included a deputy commissioner, a second lieutenant and a captain.

They come on top of action on Friday against Commissioner Gregorio Alvarado for alleged links to gang members.

He has been detained and removed from his post..

Wednesday, in Colón, police arrested Francisco Salaza, a lieutenant in the aeronaval service Senan. Also arrested was PRD politician Jaramillo Hidalgo.

Over the weekend police also arrested Héctor Moisés Murillo a Panamanian who has been identified as the leader of a major drug smuggling ring.

President Juan Carlos Varela said he created the GIA to specifically address the problem of corruption within politics and security agencies linked  to assisting criminal activity, specifically drug trafficking.