Illegal Drugs
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Panama is famous for its marijuana (the “Panama Red” of hippie anthems) and notorious as a transshipment point for cocaine. Don’t let that fool you into thinking the consumption of illegal drugs is treated casually in Panama. If you’re caught you could very well find yourself spending years in a squalid, overcrowded prison.
Simple possession of even a small amount of marijuana or any other drug is punishable by a minimum of one year in prison. Those caught with more than a tiny bit of a drug are assumed to be trafficking in it, and punishment is correspondingly harsh. Anyone caught buying or selling drugs is looking at 5–10 years behind bars.
Dealers have been known to set up gullible tourists for a bust, sometimes in the hope of sharing a bribe with a corrupt cop. Resist all temptations to sample the local products. It’s an extremely foolish risk to take.
© William Friar from Moon Panama, 3rd Edition
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Moon Travel Guides make independent travel and outdoor exploration fun and accessible. With expert and adventurous travel writers delivering a mix of honest insight, first-rate strategic travel advice, insider travel tips and an essential dose of humor, Moon Travel Guides ensure that travelers have an uncommon and entirely satisfying experience. Each travel book is filled with unique trip ideas, easy-to-use maps, and detailed information on sights, restaurants, and accommodations. Moon Travel Guides not only point you in the right direction, they inspire new ideas and adventure. Whether you are seeking a relaxing beach trip to Hawaii, or an adventure travel trip to the rainforests of Costa Rica, Moon guidebooks—and Moon.com—are with you every step of the way. Founded in 1973, the Moon Travel Guides series includes Moon Handbooks, Moon Outdoors, Moon Metro, Moon Living Abroad and Moon Spotlight travel books. Moon is based in Berkeley, California and is a proud member of the Perseus Books Group.