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Panama strengthens security in resort areas after death of U.S. tourist

Xinhua, February 15, 2017 Adjust font size:

Panama has reinforced security in resort areas of eastern Bocas del Toro province, following the recent death of an American tourist.

The head of the state-run Panama Tourism Authority (ATP) Gustavo Him on Tuesday met with national security officials on increasing police presence and patrols at the islands, where the 23-year-old Catherine Johannet was found strangled with her own swimsuit on Sunday, two days after being reported missing.

Some eight people have been arrested as part of the investigation into her death, according to the daily La Estrella de Panama. Her body was discovered along a wooded trail on the Bastimentos island.

Last week, the National Police sent some 40 agents as reinforcements, and in the next few days, the National Naval Air Service is to send more units to patrol beachfronts.

The U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) helped local authorities find the victim, the daily said.

Panama's Caribbean coast is frequented by tourists for its crystal-clear waters and palm-lined beaches. Endi