Panama will reinforce its border with Colombia to fight drug trafficking, Panamanian President Martin Torrijos announced on Friday at the commencement of border patrol's special battalion.

"Some say we are returning to militarism, but we are taking up again the responsibility to safeguard our national sovereignty, and our strong fight against drug trafficking will continue," said Torrijos.

The president said the border patrol agents will enforce their duty efficiently, bravely and with honor "in our borders and guarantee (Panama's) sovereignty in all our territory."

The graduation ceremony was carried out at Justo Arosemena University Center and it coincided with the 71st Police Anniversary celebrations.

He also said his government plans to recruit 1,000 new police agents to strengthen public security on this Central American country's streets.

Torrijos said Panama has been facing a high crime rate linked to organized crime and gang operations.

Panamanian security forces constantly discover illegal drug shipments from Colombian drug trafficking cartels that use Panama to smuggle drugs to Mexico, the United States and Europe.

Panama's anti-drug police carried out its most recent big confiscations on April 6 from a private yacht transporting 1,510 kg of cocaine from the Colombian regions of Santa Marta and Buena Ventura.