Panamanian authorities have searched and removed property from the offices of Panama Ports Company (PPC), a subsidiary of Hong Kong conglomerate CK Hutchison. In a Friday statement, PPC said the government "acted in disregard for the rule of law."

The company accused authorities of entering a private storage site without notice and ignoring requests to safeguard sensitive corporate data. Last month, Panama's Supreme Court annulled deals granting PPC control over two canal ports, ruling them unconstitutional.

China alleged the court case was a reaction to "hegemonic" pressure. Panamanian President Jose Raul Mulino warned China to "be careful." The Balboa and Cristobal ports handle about 39% of Panama's container traffic.

Prior to the search, CK Hutchison had agreed to sell dozens of ports worldwide, including Panamanian terminals, to a consortium led by US-based BlackRock for $23 billion.

Source: www.aljazeera.com