Fines totaling  $80,500 were handed out to 44 stores   in a three-day blitz by Panama’s Consumer protection authority (Acodeco) for   breaches  of  price control regulations,

The fines were applied to grocery stores and minisupers. Between September 12 and 16, Acodeco officials visited 161 businesses.

The price control standard was established more than five years ago but officials find daily mini-stores that sell above the regulated price says Acodeco.

Since 2014, 98,000 businesses have been verified throughout the country following complaints or ex officio investigations.

During the visits that they find products such as onions or yellow cheese “well above the regulated price”, which motivated the Authority to “drastically increase” the cost of sanctions.