In Panama, the illegal timber trade, particularly the trade of the valuable cocobolo wood, has caused grave deforestation and exacerbated crime in ports. A report by InSight Crime explains that on March 28 and 31 2022, Panamanian police seized two containers in Colón, carrying around 850 pieces of cocobolo wood, destined for China. Interceptions of illegal cocobolo wood shipments occur frequently along the Panama Canal. In the Darién province along the Colombian border this logging has been extensive, with 20% forest cover loss in seven years. In Panama's ports, some of the busiest in the region due to the Panama Canal, timber trafficking takes place alongside drugs, arms trafficking, and human smuggling. Corruption is also rampant, with the Army, police, Panama Canal, and port staff implicated in facilitating illegal activities. Timber traffickers benefit from connections within the ports, easing the movement of illegal wood shipments.