Police in Panama have seized more than $7 million in cash after a group of men tried to smuggle the money in luggage through Panama City's international airport.
Three Honduran nationals were arrested after the cash, mostly U.S. $100 bills, was found in secret compartments in the men's luggage. The men were traveling from Honduras to Panama City. (Via WTLV)
Officials in Panama say they believe the money was being moved by a powerful regional drug cartel, but have not specified which one. (Via KGTV)
They're now trying to figure out how the men were able to slip the bags of cash past airport security in the Honduran capital Tegucigalpa.
Honduran authorities have already suspended 32 officers and airport security staff in connection to the investigation. It is suspected that those some suspended may have accepted bribes. (Via Televicentro)
CNN explains Panama is a well-known money laundering hub for drug cartels in Central and South America.
The $7 million seizure is the largest in years for the country, and is seen as a major victory in the ongoing battle against powerful drug cartels.
See more at newsy.com.
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