Panamanian authorities have reported a new phase of 'Operation Nodriza', targeting an international drug trafficking network. The operation, carried out by the Metropolitan Region's Drug Prosecutor's Office and the National Police, resulted in the arrest of eight people, including five Panamanian nationals and three Colombian nationals. According to Drug Prosecutor Julio Villarreal, two of those arrested are leaders of this criminal group. The network operated through a scheme where Colombian and Panamanian citizens received drugs on the coast of the West Panama province, specifically in the Arraiján district. The drugs were then stored in private residences and hideouts in the same province before being moved in vehicles with double bottoms. Since 2023, 14 people have been arrested in connection with this organization. Subsequent operations led to the seizure of six more vehicles. According to National Police Director Jaime Fernández, the 'robust' investigation began on March 7, 2023. Since then, it has been linked to seven cases, resulting in the arrest of 20 people, the seizure of two tons of cocaine, and the confiscation of 10 vehicles, three of which had double bottoms. This week, more than 26 searches were conducted, leading to the seizure of four firearms, 100 rounds of ammunition, five vehicles, and three boats used to transport drugs. When asked if César Caicedo, the father of Dayra Caicedo (who was kidnapped), was among those arrested in this new phase, the prosecutor stated: 'Both the National Police and the Public Ministry are obliged to inform society about the results of the proceedings we carry out daily. However, we have legal and functional limitations, one of which is not to disclose general information about the people who have been arrested until the corresponding imputation is made.' Nevertheless, it is confirmed that César Caicedo (the father) is not only one of the eight arrested but is also considered the alleged head of the international drug trafficking network dismantled through 'Operation Nodriza'.
