Case library · Kingpins
The Captured Strongman
United States v. Noriega (1992)
Charge: Racketeering, racketeering conspiracy, conspiracy to import cocaine, money laundering offencesCourt: U.S. District Court, S.D. Fla. (appeal: 11th Cir.)State: FloridaDocket: Kingpins
The facts
The military commander who effectively ruled a foreign country is accused of taking millions of dollars from a drug cartel to let cocaine pass through his country on its way to America, and of moving about $23 million through banks abroad. He was seized by American troops during an invasion of his country and flown here to stand trial. He says that as a head of state he cannot be tried at all, that his capture broke a treaty and due process, and that his secret paid work for American intelligence agencies explains the money.
You have the facts the court had. Guilty or not guilty? Call it in the game with your friends, then see what the court actually decided. Wrong call, you drink.
Citation: United States v. Noriega, 117 F.3d 1206 (11th Cir. 1997)
Read more at law.justia.com. The source reveals the outcome.