

501: Ed Calderon | Survival Secrets of a Drug War Veteran Part Two
Apr 29, 2021
Ed Calderon, a non-permissive environment specialist with over a decade in counter-narcotics, dives into the gritty realities of law enforcement versus cartel life. He shares what steered him away from the cartel's allure and discusses the cult-like following of La Santa Muerte among both criminals and cops. Ed reveals how different factions within law enforcement can complicate the drug war, and he reflects on the unique survival rituals rooted in Mexican culture amid chaos. His insights weave together faith, corruption, and the harsh truths of living in a volatile environment.
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Resignation and Escape
- Ed Calderon resigned from the Mexican police force after being pressured to join a drug cartel.
- He left all his equipment and fled to the U.S., staying with former Marine colleagues.
No Way Out
- Working for cartels offers no long-term security, as those involved are often exposed and eliminated.
- Once involved, there's no way out, and playing both sides only makes you a target.
Bribery's Trap
- Accepting bribes creates inescapable vulnerability, as cartels can exploit the information against officers.
- Corrupt officers become easy targets for rival cartels seeking to harm their competition.