Manuel A. Noriega

Manuel A. Noriega was a Panamanian military officer and politician who served as the de facto ruler of Panama from 1983 until 1989. Known for his controversial ties with the U.S. during the Cold War and his involvement in drug trafficking, Noriega's regime was characterized by corruption and human rights abuses. His rule came to an end when the United States invaded Panama in December 1989, leading to his capture and subsequent extradition to the U.S., where he was tried and convicted on drug trafficking charges. Noriega spent several years in prison before being returned to Panama, where he died in 2017.