DRUG LORDS

THE RISE AND FALL OF THE CARTEL

Since the 1970’s, Colombia has been home to the most violent and sophisticated drug trafficking organizations in the world and the Cali cartel were the most ruthless and powerful of them all. For more than twenty years it pumped thousands of tons of cocaine across the world, laundered billions of dollars in illegal profits and was responsible for murders, assassinations and corruption at the highest levels of government. At the height of their success, it is estimated the Cali controlled over 70% of cocaine sold worldwide, with an annual turnover of $8 billion.

In stark contrast to Pablo Escobar and the flamboyant Medellin cartel, the Cali were low-key, insidious and manipulative. They operated and grew their business in the shadows like a multi-national corporation and through violence, terrorism, intimidation and bribery, they became the single biggest dealer of narcotics in the world and the principal target for the US war against drugs.

For the very first time, author Ron Chepesiuk offers an inside look at how the biggest ever undercover operation by anti-drug forces from around the world brought down the world’s most powerful drug trafficking mafia in what is arguably the most important case in the DEA’s history. Written with all the pace and vividness of a high-octane thriller, Drug Lords is the compelling story of the world’s highest profile narco-terrorists and the downfall of the world’s most powerful criminal organisation.

Reviews:

'An explosive expose ... Gripping stuff!' MAXIM

‘If you liked Mark Bowden’s 'Killing Pablo', you’ll love this.’ FHM

‘The most detailed study of the murky world of narcotics traffickers this reviewer has seen. Highly recommended.’ CHOICE

‘An epic tale of big business, greed, violence and corruption.’
NEW YORK LAW JOURNAL

About the author:

Ron Chepesiuk is a Fulbright Scholar and the author of 19 books including American Gangster and Black Gangs of Chicago (Barricade Books, 2007).

His newspaper and magazine articles have appeared in USA Today, New York Times syndicate, National Review, New York Daily News and close to 400 other publications around the world.

Ron is a member of the International Association for the Study of Organized Crime, the International Narcotics Law Officers Association and Investigative Editors and Reporters.