Customer Reviews

Kings of Cocaine

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is one of the best books I have ever read, about any subject....I have told anyone who will listen, to read this book, it's frightening, but very realistic, I just couldn't put it down.....I have read it twice, and it's one of those books you would call a 'keeper'....if you haven't read it, find it and read it....it will BLOW YOUR MIND......

This book is a must read! What happened in Columbia is happening now in Mexico. My family lives in southern Arizona and we no longer go across the border for fear of the violence. Whether you are for or against illegal immigration and/or border protection, please read this book for a clearer understanding what is happening with the drug cartels and how it affects all those around them. Knowledge may save your life or a loved one.

The book is a good start for those folks trying to learn more about the drug trade in the Western Hemisphere. The journalists have done a fine job of capturing some of the key players as well as providing baseline information about cocaine. They do so by focusing on American and Colombian personalities on both sides of the drug war. In doing so, they provide an exciting tale of violence, greed, and heroism that keeps you from putting the book down.

This book serves as a great primer for anyone interested in learning how the cocaine trade started in Latin America, in fact, you'll be surprised where it actually started and how it ended up in Colombia. Many of the main characters are fascinating individuals and offer an interesting vehicle for telling how the cocaine trade developed. Unfortunately, it ends in early 1990, leaving you wanting to hear the "rest of the story." The only drawback was the habit of bouncing around telling the individual stories, thereby losing a bit of the historical timeline, which at times could be annoying as you jump around different time periods. Nonetheless, it is a riveting story that lays the foundation for understanding a criminal enterprise that threatens the welfare of our nation, as well as our regional neighbors. It's over 600 pages, but it is a quick read and you'll enjoy the story.

Originally published in 1989, Guy Gugliotta and Jeff Leen have written an astonishing account of the rise of the Medellin cocaine cartel. The book is well researched and the pacing keeps you turning pages. The authors were able to connect a number of separate dots which give the reader a clear picture of the enormity of the drug trade in the late 70's and early 80's. The organization of the drug lords (Escobar, Ochoa, etc.), the men aligned against them and the other bit players caught in between are all brought to life in a fascinating and well written book.

I bought this book and the authors have done a remarkable job in their writing of this book. The fact that Gugliotta and Leen spent three years doing research on the Medellin Cartel for this book proves the extent that most of what is written is accurate. There is also 20-30 photos in the book. A great buy and worth every penny for someone who wants to read about cocaine smuggled into the united states and the guys behind it.

The power of the Medellin Cartel is frightening. This is a story of corruption. The overwhelming amount of drug dollars pouring into Colombia contaminated large portions of society. In many ways Colombians lost their moral compass. However, we must never lose sight of the fact that without demand...this is no market for illegal drugs.

I was with the Federal Bureau of Prisons for 25 years and my last 10 years were spent in a sequestered area known as Inmate Monitoring. We handled all Security Threat Groups: MS-13; Latin Kings; White Supremecists; Mexican Mafia; traditional LCN Families, and the Medellin Cartel... Pablo Escobar and Carlos Lehder Rivas as they helped oust the original OC families in "Dadeland" and, with the help of El Jefe for Life, Panamanian President Manuel Noriega, moved their shipments through Panama into the US since we, of course, had close ties with Noriega.

We worked many crazy hours to get the guys willing to testify moved to safe and high ground. Many wanted Witness Protection and others took Witness Security, in exchange for dropping a dime on their compadres in crime... either, or... anything to save themselves and their families and, hopefully, get a reduced sentence. The biggest coup, of course, was getting El Jefe, himself. He finished his Federal time in 2007 but, the problem is, where to send him. He's in his mid-70's; he's had prostate cancer and a stroke, but has found God. He wants to return to Panama, even though there he was convicted of murder there, in absentia. The US is not obligated by the Geneva Convention to honor Noriega's wishses. France tried him in absentia for money-laundering. They wish to try him in person. Panama also convicted him of murder and sentenced him to 60 years in prison, in absentia. Becayse of his age and health, he would likely be re-senteced to house arrest in Panama.

It will be interesting to see how this all ends.

Bought this book 2 yrs ago and could not put it down. It deals with a lot of the characters of this era who were moving tons and tons of illicit narcotics into the USA in the 70's and 80's. I've read a bunch of books like this one and found it to be a great compliment to all the others. Death, addiction, money, sex, power - all the elements of a dangerous game played during the free wheeling Reagan era. You'll definitely enjoy this book.

The book was received in a timely manner and reasonable condition for a book that is impossible to find. Many thanks

Let me say that this book was read before I had a chance to see a video titled the Clinton chronicles. After seeing this video and reading this remarkable book it's easy to see why the present White House Administration is bogged down with scandal after scandal. I recommend this book, and I recommend getting your hands on the video. You'll be amazed.