Cartels, Conspiracies, and Camarena

Episode 129: No Death Penalties and the Possibity of Military Action in Latin America

In this Episode, I look at the recent disclosure of President Trump's directive to the Pentagon to begin using military force against certain Latin American cartels and what it might mean for Mexico and Venezuela. I then discuss the Department of Justice's recent decision to NOT seek the death penalty in its pending cases against El Mayo, Vicente Carrillo Fuentes, and Rafael Caro Quintero.  In particular, I opine on the RCQ decision and what it does for the concept of closure in the Camarena case. Finally, I announce an indefinite hiatus from the podcast to focus on other matters, while I continue to investigate the Camarena case and other matters.  I also note the re-start of the Cartels, Conspiracies, and Camarena YouTube channel.

Episode 128: Updates on Mayo, Ovidio, and Caro and the Turf War Between DEA and HSI

In this Episode, I provide an update on El Mayo's case, discuss Ovidio's guilty plea, and look at the discovery provided by the government to Caro Quintero's defense team. I then look at the complimentary and sometimes competitive roles of DEA and HSI and examine realignments of responsibilities and oversight proposed by the Trump administration that could place the DEA in a subordinate role to the HSI.

Episode 127: The CJNG - Los Chapitos Alliance: What is it and What does it Mean?

In this Episode, I examine the CJNG - Los Chapitos alliance, particularly in light of the Chapitos' civil war with La Mayiza.   Specifically, I discuss reports on the formation of the alliance and the actions that led to its formation. I also look at how the alliance fits with the DEA's Nation Drug threat Assessment's CJNG analysis. Finally, I discuss some empirical evidence of CJNG's response to the CDS civil war, which further illuminate the motivations behind the Chapitos - CJNG alliance.

Episode 126: The What and Why of the El Chapo Family Members Entering the US

On May 14, seventeen members of El Chapo's family crossed from Tijuana to San Diego where they were met and whisked away by U.S. agents. In this Episode, I discuss this event, including the identities of some of the family members. In addition, I look at the events that preceded this event, including plea negotiations by Ovidio and Joaquin, a potential split within Los Chapitos, and the reaction of the Mexican government.  Finally, I discuss the role these events might have played in the apparent alliance between Los Chapitos and CJNG and what it all means for the future of CDS.

Episode 125: Oil Smuggling for the Cartels ... in Utah?

In this Mother's Day episode, I first discuss pea agreement between the U.S. government and Ovidio Guzman and what it really means. Next, I look at the arrest of a husband and wife from Sandy, Utah, who have been indicted on charges of smuggling and selling oil from Mexico for the benefit of Mexican cartels.   Finally, I address some shameful comments from retired DEA agent Hector Berrellez.