He also systematically violated the American-Panamanian Canal treaties and harassed U.S. forces and institutions in Panama. The problems the U.S. recognized in Noriega began in 1985 as an internal Panamanian affair. Between 1985 and the 1989 U.S. invasion, it went through a series of five mini-crises. These included the murder of Hugo Spadaraora, a physician but also a revolutionary, a guerrilla fighter, and a political activist. The Herrara confessions were brought forth by Colonel Roberto Herrera who was to replace Noriega after he was to retire in 1987. After Noriega announced he would remain in control Herrera in retaliation publicly revealed details about Noriega's crimes as well as accused him of orchestrating the murder of Spadafora. A turning point occurred in February 1988, when the United States declared drugs to be the major threat to American society at the same time that Noriega was indicted in Florida for drug trafficking and money laundering.
The Reagan and Bush administrations hoped for and peferred a Panamanian solution, like a coup, an election that would end Noriega's rule, or a popular uprising similar to that of the uprising that dumped Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines.
On October 1st 1989, the wife of Moises Giroldi, a member of Noriega's inner circle who had crushed the 1988 Macias coup attempt, informed Southcom officers that her husband was planning a nonviolent coup against Noriega and that he wanted limited U.S. help. Giroldi's coup took place on October 3rd 1989. Mrs. Giroldi and her children were given shelter, the U.S. forces blocked the requested roads and for a few hours Noriega was a prisoner in the hands of Giroldi, who tried unsuccessfully to persuade him to retire. Supposedly several rebel leaders, but not Giroldi, were then prepared to turn Noriega over to U.S. authorities, but in some way Noriega was able to contact his special unit, Battalion 2000.