Narco Wars: How Cocaine Came to America (2020)
Narco Wars: How Cocaine Came to America is a gripping documentary that unravels the origins of the infamous Medellin Cartel and its pivotal role in pioneering the cocaine smuggling business during the ’70s and ’80s. Here are the key insights from this eye-opening episode:
- The Medellin Cartel’s Genesis:
- Interviews with notorious smuggler George Jung and Pablo Escobar’s wife and son provide firsthand accounts.
- A handful of criminals, including the original “Black Widow” Griselda Blanco, daredevil Carlos Lehder, and the infamous Pablo Escobar, joined forces to form the most powerful drug cartel in the world.
- The Cocaine Smuggling Business:
- The Medellin Cartel revolutionized the cocaine trade, establishing intricate smuggling routes.
- Their operations spanned continents, with cocaine flowing from South America to the United States and beyond.
- The Human Cost:
- The documentary doesn’t shy away from the devastating impact of the cocaine epidemic.
- Lives were lost, families torn apart, and communities ravaged by addiction and violence.
- Complex Characters:
- George Jung, portrayed by Johnny Depp in the film Blow, played a pivotal role in connecting the cartel to the American market.
- Griselda Blanco, known for her ruthlessness, was a central figure in the cartel’s operations.
- Legacy and Lessons:
- The rise and fall of the Medellin Cartel serve as a cautionary tale.
- It underscores the interconnectedness of crime, power, and addiction.
