Corruption is the underworldâs most dangerous commodity | Column
A former undercover drug agent worries about whatâs going on in Mexico.
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In this Friday, Sept. 15, 2017, photo, Mexico's then-Defense Secretary Gen. Salvador Cienfuegos Zepeda gestures as then-U.S. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis listens during a reception ceremony in Mexico City. [ REBECCA BLACKWELL | AP ]
Published Dec. 13, 2020
One of the most influential members of a lethal Mexican drug cartel was recently arrested in Los Angeles. For years, his identity had been uncertain, except that the underworld referred to him as âEl Padrinoâ (The Godfather). His role in the underworld was well-documented.
The Godfatherâs crimes were confirmed in thousands of BlackBerry messenger communications and wiretaps. He helped to arrange the transportation of drug shipments, introduced the cartelâs top leaders to corrupt Mexican government officials willing to take bribes, and much more.