Modern Wisdom #339 - Jeremy McDermott - Hunting An Invisible Drug Lord
Jun 26, 2021
Jeremy McDermott, an investigative reporter and director at Insight Crime, dives into the shadowy world of organized crime in Latin America. He shares riveting stories about chasing Memo Fantasma, a notorious drug lord who erased his identity to avoid capture. McDermott reveals how corruption reaches high levels, implicating officials like the Vice President of Colombia. The discussion also unveils the tactics drug lords use for money laundering, including real estate schemes, and the moral complexities journalists face in uncovering these truths.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
The Invisibles
- Modern drug lords prioritize anonymity over armed protection.
- Memo Fantasma, an "Invisible," operated under the radar for 30 years, trafficking up to 100 tons of cocaine.
Reality TV Lead
- Jeremy McDermott learned of Memo Fantasma through a TV show.
- Imprisoned paramilitaries identified Memo Fantasma on the show, finally giving McDermott a lead.
Route Control
- Controlling drug routes yields the highest profits in trafficking.
- Memo Fantasma's control over routes made him a sought-after partner, exemplified by a large shipment to Sydney during the Olympics.