The seizure, by Mexican authorities, of slightly less than $12m in cash, found during an inspection of a Panama-bound container in Mexico begs the question; was the money destined for Panama's banks, or for the Colombian Cartels, further south? Obviously, bulk cash smuggling out of North America is alive and well and thriving, but what was the ultimate destination of these funds? Whilst a Colombian destination certainly could be supported by the current trend to move the proceeds of crime, when dollars, into Venezuela for laundering, if Panama has become a more active centre for laundrymen, then a fresh look at that country is in order.

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