The war on drugs
Thick smoke billows into the sky, as confiscated drugs are burnt in Panama City. Anti-narcotics police destroyed several tons of cocaine and other illegal substances, which were seized during operations across the country.
The dense forests of Panama's humid, inhospitable border with Colombia are an important smuggling route for drug cartels, but the border police say the flow of illicit substances has decreased in the last five years.
A member of Panama's border police stands alongside his weapon.
An officer talks on a mobile phone.
Officers chat as they wait for orders.
Border police take part in a training session.
Officers exercise as they train.
An armed police vehicle drives past.
An anti-narcotics officer stands next to confiscated drugs.
The packages are seen before their destruction.
An officer sprays petrol onto the illicit substances.
Police officers stand guard during the incineration.
