Description

One thousand pesos — that’s $59 — to go out and commit murder.

In this episode, we dive deep into the heart of Mexico, exploring its complex relationship with the drug cartels. With over 25 years of experience in the field, we have retired DEA agent Ralph Villarruel on the show, giving us the ground truth.. the reality of what's happening south of the border. Ralph was one of the lead investigators for the cartel murder of DEA Special Agent Kiki Camerena in 1985, and has seen things that most cannot fathom. In this riveting conversation, we take a closer look at the chilling transformation of Mexican cartels into more violent and sadistic organizations, including their changing tactics and the disturbing trends in violence and brutality. We also delve into the dark world of money laundering, migrant exploitation, and the unintended consequences of border policies.

Join us as we discuss:

• The dramatic evolution of Mexican cartels, from the 1980s to 2023, including their shift from cocaine to synthetic drugs like fentanyl
• The inner workings of Mexican cartels, including their recruitment strategies, use of foreign experts, and international connections, especially with Chinese criminal organizations
• The interconnected issues of cartels, migrants, and the fentanyl crisis
• Whether US policy is indirectly contributing and causing more problems than it's solving

To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.

Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.