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Quick takeaways
- The Mexican drug war is characterized by violent cartels, corrupt officials, and a struggling military and police force.
- Mexican drug cartels engage in various illegal activities, including drug trafficking, protection schemes, and money laundering.
- The Mexican government's response to the drug war has been marked by corruption, turnover in leadership, and a lack of coordination between security agencies.
- The speaker reflects on personal struggles and the process of addressing trauma, including alcohol dependency and mental health issues.
- Seeking support from others who have experienced similar struggles, therapy, and understanding and managing PTSD are crucial in the healing process.
- Understanding kidnapping methods, restraints, and the importance of blending in and creating a non-threatening image can enhance personal safety in dangerous areas.
Deep dives
Main Idea 1
The Mexican drug war is characterized by the proliferation of powerful and violent cartel groups, corrupt politicians, and a struggling military and police force. The cartels gain control through a combination of exploiting the desperation of young people, corrupting law enforcement, and using violence to establish dominance. The violence in the drug war has escalated over time, with no clear rules or boundaries, leading to horrific acts of brutality and terror. Journalists who report on the drug war face significant risks, with many being targeted and murdered. The government and military's efforts to combat the cartels are hindered by corruption and internal disunity.
Main Idea 2
The Mexican drug cartels operate in a complex network of drug markets, routes, extortion, and money laundering. The cartels not only traffic drugs but also engage in a range of illegal activities, such as paid protection schemes and money laundering. They exert control over territories by infiltrating communities, corrupting officials, and building their own support networks. The cartels often present themselves as providers of social services, such as building infrastructure like roads and schools, further entrenching their influence within the local population. The cartels also utilize extreme violence and terror tactics to maintain their power and intimidate rivals.
Main Idea 3
The Mexican drug war reflects a systemic failure of governance and a lack of trust in the government and law enforcement. The corrupting influence of cartels extends to politicians, police forces, and the military, creating a vicious cycle of dysfunction and violence. The Mexican government's response to the drug war has been marked by short-term initiatives, turnover in leadership, and a lack of coordination between different security agencies. Journalists who uncover corruption and report on cartel activities face grave risks to their lives. To address the drug war and reduce brutality, there is a need for systemic reform, a focus on the root causes of cartel power, and a coordinated effort to establish trust and integrity within law enforcement and governance.
Struggling with Loss and Transition
The speaker reflects on the various challenges and losses he experienced, including the death of his mother and the end of his marriage, as well as leaving his job in a Mexican police force. He describes the difficulty of processing these traumatic events and the toll it took on his mental health. The speaker acknowledges the use of alcohol as a way to cope with his emotions and expresses the realization that it had become an unhealthy dependency. Eventually, he reaches a breaking point and decides to quit drinking, finding inspiration from his own daughter's words and recognizing the need to address his issues.
Finding Support and Seeking Healing
The speaker emphasizes the importance of seeking support from others who have experienced similar struggles. He mentions attending trainings and interacting with veterans and military personnel who understood his experiences and provided guidance and empathy. The speaker acknowledges the role of therapy and the process of understanding and managing his post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). He describes the difficulties of adjusting to a quieter and more peaceful life, appreciating the moments of tranquility while also encountering triggers and memories that bring back the chaos and noise of his past.
Making the Decision to Heal
The speaker shares his personal journey of making the decision to stop drinking and address his alcohol dependency. He discusses the triggers and temptations that made sobriety challenging, such as stressful situations, isolation, and the COVID-19 pandemic. The speaker highlights a pivotal moment when he realized the destructive impact alcohol was having on his life, as well as the support and understanding he received from his daughter. This realization prompts him to take immediate action, leading to his commitment to sobriety and the beginning of his healing process.
Understanding and Escaping Restraints
Kidnapping occurs in various forms and for different reasons around the world. In Mexico, cartels often target individuals for financial gain, extorting ransom from their families. Express kidnappings also happen, where victims are quickly robbed of their possessions. Learning how restraints work is crucial, such as handcuffs and ropes. Tools like modified keys or ceramic razor blades can aid in escaping restraints. However, it's important to note that restraints differ depending on the region and the type of captor. Understanding specific restraints in the area you are in is essential to prepare and potentially escape dangerous situations.
Fitting In and Social Engineering
When visiting potentially dangerous areas, it's important to blend in and create a believable narrative. Understanding the culture, appearance, and behaviors of the locals can help with this. Learning about local criminal groups and their tactics can be beneficial as well. It's also important to know how to de-escalate situations and employ social engineering techniques. This can involve utilizing a cover story, adapting your appearance and behavior to fit in, or even incorporating religious symbols or beliefs, depending on the situation. The aim is to create a non-threatening image while maintaining personal safety.
Taking Responsibility and Gaining Skills
Rather than being limited by fear, taking responsibility for personal safety is key. Acquiring self-defense skills, such as learning basic TCCC (Tactical Combat Casualty Care), can help in emergency situations. Understanding how to escape restraints and learning about common tools used in kidnappings, like zip ties and handcuffs, can offer a practical advantage. It is important to research and train with various restraint methods that could be encountered in specific locations. By actively preparing and gaining knowledge, individuals can increase their chances of avoiding or surviving potentially dangerous situations.
Traveling and Experiencing Different Cultures
One of the most valuable things young people can do is to travel and experience different cultures. It allows them to see how other people live and challenges their own preconceived notions. It is an opportunity for personal growth and learning.
The Importance of Service
Service is an essential aspect of life that young people should consider. Engaging in acts of service helps us to connect with others, understand different perspectives, and make a positive impact on our communities. It teaches humility and the value of helping others.
Education, Responsibility, and Freedom
Education is important, and while formal education can be expensive, there are many resources available for learning. However, it is crucial to take responsibility for our own education and the application of knowledge. We should also understand that freedom comes with responsibility and that we shouldn't expect everything to come easy. Humility, service, and a sense of responsibility should guide our actions and choices as young people.
24.
I Think It's Possible to Go in There and Have a Conversation With a Cartel Leader
2min
74.
The Relationship Between Death and Death in Mexico - May I Earn Your Need and Be Your Wrath?
2min
Ed Calderon is a security specialist who worked on counter-narcotics and organized crime investigation in Mexico. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors:
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OUTLINE:
Here’s the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time.
(00:00) – Introduction
(07:13) – Corruption
(40:55) – Cartels
(56:16) – El Chapo
(1:13:27) – Weapons
(1:25:33) – Assassinations
(1:34:20) – Counter-ambush teams
(1:57:46) – PTSD and alcohol
(2:20:25) – Improvised weapons
(2:23:57) – Street fights
(2:52:54) – Kidnapping
(2:57:10) – Escaping restraints
(3:06:38) – Imitation
(3:15:06) – Narco cults
(3:28:01) – Adolfo Constanzo
(3:32:29) – Fentanyl
(3:49:14) – Immigration
(4:00:34) – Advice for young people
(4:09:06) – Mortality
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