The Minister of Security, Gustavo Villatoro, announced that the National Civil Police (PNC) successfully captured a dangerous member of the MS-13 gang, specifically from the clique known as Big Criminal Locos Salvatruchos. The gang member had fled to Panama in an attempt to evade justice under El Salvador’s state of emergency. His capture was made possible through coordinated efforts between Salvadoran and Panamanian authorities.

Villatoro emphasized that El Salvador has the legal framework necessary to deal with members of terrorist organizations. “Thanks to the coordination of our PNC with Panamanian authorities, we have captured a dangerous member of the Big Criminal Locos Salvatruchos clique of MS-13, who cowardly fled to that country to hide,” he stated on the social platform X.

He also reiterated the Salvadoran government’s commitment to preventing these criminals from returning to society and causing harm. “The times of impunity are over,” Villatoro added.

The minister extended his gratitude to the Government of Panama for its support in the fight against organized crime, and confirmed that El Salvador will continue to work with allied nations to combat criminal groups across the region.