In West Panama the Father of Dayra Caicedo was Arrested as Alleged Leader of a Drug Trafficking Network

Eight people were arrested after the dismantling of a criminal organization dedicated to drug trafficking that operated in West Panama and the province of Panama, following an investigation initiated in March 2023 by the Attorney General’s Office.  During the proceedings carried out in the early hours of the morning, the authorities apprehended eight people allegedly linked to this criminal structure, which maintained its center of operations in national territory and was led by a citizen of Colombian nationality.  It was learned that among those captured was César Caicedo, father of Dayra Caicedo pictured below, the young woman who was reported missing on February 19, 2025 in Arraiján and a month later mysteriously appeared at a gas station in the Burunga sector. 

According to information provided to Newsroom Panama, Caicedo (the father) pictured below was one of the leaders of the organization, closely linked to the receipt, storage, and transport of drugs from a beach in Vacamonte. Furthermore, the investigation is exploring the disappearance of his daughter, which is believed to be connected to the illicit activity.  The actions took place in several properties located in West Panama and Panama, in addition to procedures carried out on various vessels located in a social and sports club in the capital city and in the Diablo area. 

According to official information, Operation Nodriza is the result of an investigation that began in March 2023, which allowed the identification of a group made up of Panamanian and Colombian citizens, who fulfilled specific functions within the organization.  Julio Villareal, senior drug prosecutor, highlighted that when the substance entered the country, it was received by members of the network on the coasts of West Panama, taken to some residences or hidden in cars with false bottoms.  He highlighted that in recent legal actions against criminal organizations, individuals from Colombia and Jalisco have been captured in Mexico, which demonstrates the level of connection between drug-producing and receiving countries, with Panama at the center of the activity, as a collection and distribution hub. 

He explained that documentary evidence and real estate were collected, and some of the members are linked to various properties and businesses, but this is something that will be analyzed during the investigations.  As part of this investigative process, authorities have seized more than two tons of illicit substances from this criminal network, while a total of 20 people remain in custody for their alleged involvement in these events.  Those captured will be brought before a judge for a hearing where the arrest will be legalized or not, charges will be filed, and the corresponding precautionary measures will be established.