Panama Investigates Suspicious Release and Murder of Alleged U.S. Drug Trafficker

Panama legislator Leo Gonzalez, chairman of the Legislative Assembly, is investigating the case of alleged U.S. drug trafficker Joseph Williams, who died in 1990 of poisoning after his release on bail. Williams was arrested on September 16, 1990 with 300 kg. of cocaine on him. Attorney General Rogelio Cruz then ordered Williams released after Williams spent three months in jail. The Drug Affairs Committee, which Gonzalez chairs, has described the action as illegal, because it violated Article 2167 of the Judicial Code which states no bail can be granted to persons charged with drug trafficking…[more]