Change Agents with Andy Stumpf CIA, Cartels & Captured Leaders: A Story From Noriega to Venezuela
Jan 7, 2026
Cillian Dunne, an investigative writer and author, reveals the intriguing tale of Manuel Noriega, a U.S. intelligence asset. He discusses Noriega's rise to power in Panama and his connections with agencies like the CIA and DEA, shedding light on the ambiguous documentation of these ties. Listeners will find the mysterious plane crash of Torrijos and its political implications particularly captivating. Cillian also draws parallels between Noriega and Nicolás Maduro, exploring the risks of U.S. intervention in Venezuela. It's a riveting dive into shadows of history!
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Noriega As A U.S. Intelligence Asset
- Manuel Noriega was a long-term U.S. intelligence asset who rose to run Panama's intelligence and later the country.
- His CIA/DEA ties complicate the simple narrative of him as only a narco-trafficker and dictator.
Torrijos' Death Marked A Turning Point
- Omar Torrijos's 1981 plane crash likely marked a geopolitical shift in Panama's leadership toward U.S.-favored figures.
- Dunne suggests the crash looked like a midair explosion timed with tensions over the Panama Canal treaty.
Living With Noriega's Right-Hand Man
- Cillian Dunne accepted an impromptu invitation and lived with Carlos, Noriega's right-hand man, to research the story.
- He spent weeks interviewing Carlos in remote locations and cities, gaining deep firsthand access.
