Organized Crime: Miguel Angel Félix Gallardo (8/17/24)

Beyond The Horizon

Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, often referred to as "El Padrino" or "The Godfather," is a key figure in the history of the Mexican drug trade. Born in 1946 in Sinaloa, Mexico, he started his career in law enforcement before transitioning into drug trafficking. Félix Gallardo co-founded the Guadalajara Cartel in the early 1980s, creating the first major Mexican drug cartel that controlled all aspects of the drug trade, from production to distribution. He played a crucial role in establishing partnerships with Colombian cartels, particularly the Medellín Cartel, to transport cocaine through Mexico into the United States.
Félix Gallardo was known for his strategic mind and ability to maintain a low profile, which helped him evade law enforcement for years. His influence extended beyond the drug trade, as he cultivated relationships with politicians, law enforcement, and military officials, ensuring his operations were protected. However, his involvement in the kidnapping and murder of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985 brought intense scrutiny and eventually led to his arrest in 1989.
After his arrest, the Guadalajara Cartel fragmented into several other powerful cartels, leading to increased violence and the ongoing cartel wars in Mexico. Félix Gallardo's legacy is one of both criminal genius and tragedy, as his actions have left a lasting impact on the drug trade and the violence that continues to plague Mexico.
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