Former Panamanian boxer and former world champion Celestino ‘Pelenchín’ Caballero acknowledged today before the Prosecutor’s Office that he had transported 10 kilograms of drugs in his vehicle.
“My client acknowledged the facts and stated that he was sorry for having committed the crime and said that he will never do it again,” said Caballero’s lawyer, Víctor Orobio.
The athlete faces a penalty of between 8 and 12 years in prison, which can be reduced by half for having recognized the facts, explained the lawyer.
‘Pelenchín’, who won the 2006 world boxing championships of the World Boxing Association (WBA) and the International Boxing Federation (FIB) in the super bantamweight category, was arrested on Thursday in a police operation in the Panamanian capital.
According to the Public Ministry, he had 5 kilograms of drugs hidden in the trunk of his vehicle and another 5 kilograms in a plastic bag.
Caballero, who retired in 2014 and has since dedicated himself to singing reggae, was transferred “temporarily” to the Judicial Investigation Directorate (DIJ) facilities after appearing before the drug prosecutor, Markel Mora, who will have to decide whether sets him free.
The WBA decided to temporarily suspend ‘Pelenchín’ from his position as deputy director of the Comprehensive Development and Safety Committee of the sports body until what happened is clarified.
Former Panamanian boxer admits to having transported 10 kilos of drugs
