Panama creates controversial intelligence force

PANAMA CITY — Panama, which has no army, is creating a new intelligence agency and a border police force, prompting concerns of a return to its militarized past.

President Martin Torrijos says the intelligence force is needed to combat growing drug crimes.

He signed an executive order Wednesday creating the intelligence force and border police and combining the naval and air police forces. Lawmakers are expected to approve the initiatives.

But opposition lawmakers and civil rights advocates say the laws would give the government unprecendented surveillance powers.

Warrants are still required to set up wiretaps, but critics say the rules are too loosely defined.

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