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Manuel Noriega
Dictator of Panama (1983-1989)
CIA asset and drug trafficker invaded by U.S. forces
Overview
Manuel Noriega was a Panamanian dictator who was on the CIA payroll for decades while simultaneously trafficking drugs. When he became politically inconvenient, the U.S. invaded Panama in 1989 ("Operation Just Cause"), killing hundreds of civilians. He was captured, tried in the U.S., and died in prison.
Key Affiliations
Controversies & Concerns
CIA ASSET: Paid by CIA while trafficking drugs
DRUG TRAFFICKING: Facilitated Colombian cartels
U.S. INVASION: 1989 invasion killed hundreds of civilians
DICTATOR: Rigged elections, murdered opponents
Related Investigations (3)
Criminal Charges & Violations
1 documented violations
21 U.S.C. § 846Drug Trafficking Conspiracy(Federal Crime)
Known Associates & Connections
George H.W. Bush
CIA contact when Bush was DCI
Sources & Documentation
2 documented sources from official records, investigations, and reports
Personal Information
- Born
- February 11, 1934
- Birthplace
- Panama City, Panama
Education
- •Military School of Chorrillos (Peru)
Key Timeline
February 11, 1934
Born in Panama City
1966
Begins working with CIA
1983
Becomes de facto dictator
December 20, 1989
U.S. invades Panama
January 3, 1990
Surrenders to U.S. forces
1992
Convicted of drug trafficking
May 29, 2017
Dies in prison