DEA special agent Ray Donovan pulls back the curtain of the historic operation to apprehend El Chapo in an episode that also delves into the worst overdose crisis in U.S. history. Ray offers a master class on the main culprit: opioids, particularly fentanyl. The public remains relatively unaware that the deadliest opioid is being mixed in a host of recreational drugs. And Ray provides insight into the death of music icon Prince from a fake Vicodin pill that contained fentanyl. Other highlights include: Ray explaining how he obtained El Chapo’s jail t-shirt as a memento; how the Sinaloa cartel proactively tried to resolve the issue of its fentanyl killings its customers; the trends in drug trafficking involving methamphetamine and cocaine; the revelation that marijuana legalization hasn’t reduced America’s demand for Mexico’s supply; and the main reason that cartel boss, El Mayo, has avoided the fate of his notorious partner. Two of El Chapo’s older sons have obtained much of his power, Ray says, but the Jalisco New Generation cartel threatens the organization’s dominance. Ray reveals that El Chapo’s 2015 meeting with actors Sean Penn and Kate Del Castillo delayed a planned raid. And Ray responds to questions on the stunning testimony that mentioned El Chapo’s DEA connections. The episode revisits the killing of DEA agent Enrique Camarena, allegedly orchestrated by Rafael Caro-Quintero — “public enemy # 1 for us.” On a light note, Ray’s favorite comedian for years was Eddie Murphy, though he is now into David Chappelle. For more visit, nunyodemasio.com/podcast
