Manuel Noriega, once the military dictator of Panama, was captured by U.S. forces during the U.S. invasion of Panama in December 1989. Following his capture, he was extradited to the United States, where he faced a series of charges including drug trafficking, racketeering, and money laundering. His trial commenced in Miami, Florida, amidst significant media attention, as it highlighted not just his actions but the extensive involvement of Latin American drug cartels in the drug trade. The jury concluded that Noriega had participated in a conspiracy to smuggle cocaine into the United States, with established ties to Medellín cartel, one of the most notorious drug trafficking organizations of the period. Noriega’s defense, which attempted to portray him as having acted under the influence of the CIA at various points, was ultimately unsuccessful. The trial was a crucial moment in U.S.-Latin American relations as it drew focus onto the consequences of past alliances and the impact of U.S. interventions in the region. In total, Noriega was sentenced to 40 years in prison, a significant claim in the ongoing fight against drug trafficking.