The Capture of Manuel Noriega Operation Just Cause Manuel Noriega was a Panamanian soldier and the military leader of Panama from 1983 to 1989. He had a quick rise to power and a violent regime. By the end of 1980 his leadership became so violent and unacceptable that he was overthrown and captured by US invading forces in a mission called "Operation Just Cause." He was imprisoned in 1992. Manuel Noreiga was born in Panama City. He suffered severe …showed first 75 words of 1268 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1268 total…arrested following his arrest. A regime that came to power by way of violence and crime came to an end and Manuel Noriega was tried in Miami, Florida. He was convicted on eight counts of drug trafficking, racketeering and money laundering. He was sentenced to 40 years in 1992 and in 1999 his sentence was reduced to 30 years. He is now serving his sentence in a federal prison in Miami, Florida. He will be eligible for parole in 2006.