

#314 - The Surprising Truth Behind Mexico’s Cartel War, Child Hitmen & CJNG | Johnny Mitchell
7 snips Jun 29, 2025
In this episode, guest Johnny Mitchell, a former drug trafficker turned stand-up comedian, shares gripping insights into the dark world of Mexico's cartels. He discusses the sophisticated operations of the CJNG, the brutal reality of cartel-controlled neighborhoods, and the unsettling presence of child hitmen. Mitchell also delves into his transformation from crime to comedy and critiques the media's portrayal of safety in Mexico. His unique perspective tackles the blurred lines between organized crime and legitimate businesses, offering a shocking yet fascinating look into this underground world.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Cartel Recruiting & Discipline
- The Jalisco New Generation cartel trains recruits as young as 16 using TikTok videos.
- They rigorously drug test and control members, blending military discipline into their operations.
Early Drug Trafficking Success
- Johnny started his illegal business shipping weed from the West Coast to the East Coast in college.
- His early money and success fueled rapid scaling despite constant risks and losses.
Cartels Exploit Legal Cannabis Market
- Legalization and heavy taxation on cannabis create a market gap.
- Cartels exploit this gap by flooding legal shops and street markets with cheaper, untaxed weed.