Billy Hayes is an American author best known for his memoir, "Midnight Express," which recounts his harrowing experience of being imprisoned in Turkey for drug smuggling. The book details his escape and the challenges he faced during his time in a foreign prison, highlighting the dangers of drug trafficking. In addition to "Midnight Express," Hayes has written several other works, including novels and screenplays. His story was adapted into a successful film in 1978, directed by Alan Parker, which further popularized his experiences and raised awareness about the consequences of drug-related crimes.