The Jordan Harbinger Show 700: Ioan Grillo | How America Arms Gangs and Cartels Part One
Jul 19, 2022
Ioan Grillo is a contributing writer at The New York Times, focusing on crime and drugs in Latin America. He shares his gripping transition from pirate radio to narco journalism, unveiling the chilling realities of cartel violence. Grillo highlights how American influence exacerbates the rise of gangs and reveals the heartbreaking plight of children forced into brutal work for the cartels. He recounts harrowing personal experiences while addressing the deep ties between organized crime and Mexico's justice system, making for a thought-provoking and intense discussion.
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From UK to Mexico
- Ioan Grillo, a British journalist, was inspired to work abroad by films like Salvador.
- He moved to Mexico City 20 years ago to pursue international journalism.
Escalation of Violence
- Grillo witnessed escalating drug violence in Nuevo Laredo, shifting from gangs to ex-military using high-powered weapons.
- This change prompted him to write his first book, El Narco, to document the growing crisis.
Narco Culture and Music
- Grillo describes the narco culture's music scene, where drug lords commission songs about their exploits.
- He mentions a graveyard with opulent mausoleums for narcos, celebrating their status.
