Manuel Noriega: From Dictator to Prisoner
Manuel Noriega, who served as Panama's intelligence chief before becoming its de facto ruler and subsequently a dictator, was involved in drug trafficking operations during the 1970s and 1980s. He collaborated with South American drug lords and was indicted for drug trafficking and money laundering while still in power. Tensions between the United States and Panama escalated, leading to a US invasion in 1989, during which Noriega sought refuge in the Vatican's embassy and later surrendered.
His legal proceedings involved revelations of his long-standing role as a CIA informant and culminated in imprisonment in the US, France, and Panama before his death in 2017.
Rise to Power and Drug Operations
Manuel Noriega transitioned from his role as Panama's intelligence chief to become the nation's de facto ruler and later a dictator. During the 1970s and 1980s, he engaged in extensive drug trafficking operations, collaborating with South American drug lords and accumulating significant personal wealth. While still in power, Noriega was indicted for drug trafficking and money laundering.
The US Invasion and Noriega's Surrender
In 1989, increasing tensions between the United States and Panama culminated in a US invasion. This military operation was the largest undertaken by the US since the Vietnam War and resulted in the rapid defeat of the Panamanian military. Following the invasion, Noriega sought sanctuary in the Vatican's embassy in Panama City. For ten days, US Delta Force units broadcasted music, including recordings by Van Halen, outside the embassy. Noriega surrendered after this period.
International Trials and Final Imprisonment
During his trial in the United States, it was revealed that Noriega had served as a CIA informant and US collaborator for several decades. After completing his sentence in the US, he faced further legal proceedings. He was subsequently imprisoned in France for money laundering and later in Panama for murder.
Manuel Noriega died in 2017.