The Secret Deals Between Governments and Cartels: Kingpins, Migrants and Cocaine

Producer's Note: This interview was recorded prior to official election results On today's episode, Vince sits down with Benjamin T. Smith, author of The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade to discuss the history and evolution of the Mexican drug trade. Benjamin explains how historical trade routes like the Silk Road laid the groundwork for the global drug trade, the impact of political shifts and corruption in Mexico and the U.S., and how synthetic drugs like meth and fentanyl are transforming cartel operations. They also discuss the unintended consequences of U.S. anti-drug policies, the militarization of cartels and governments, and what it would take to break the economic dependence on the drug trade. Borderland is an IRONCLAD Original Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices