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By Johnny Mitchell
4.3
504504 ratings
The podcast currently has 250 episodes available.
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From a strict Mormon upbringing in Texas to the violent world of cartel-connected crime, Tyler’s story is one of the wildest we’ve heard. In this episode, Tyler explains how he went from being a high school kid making money transporting drugs to working around human-smuggling networks along the Texas–Mexico border. He describes witnessing extreme cartel violence at a young age, moving migrants through border towns, becoming involved in violent contract work in Mexico, and later building a large drug business back home. Tyler also opens up about the side of that lifestyle people rarely talk about—the paranoia, emotional numbness, PTSD, memory problems, prison, and the difficulty of returning to a normal life after years surrounded by violence. We discuss: • Growing up in a strict Mormon household • Getting recruited into drug transportation as a teenager • Witnessing cartel violence for the first time • How human-smuggling networks operate along the border • Coyotes, safe houses, spotters, burner phones, and cartel organization • His descent into increasingly violent criminal work • Building a drug business through Snapchat • His 2019 arrest and prison sentence • The lasting psychological effects of the lifestyle • Therapy, family, faith, and trying to rebuild his life This conversation contains descriptions of violence, drug trafficking, and other criminal activity. It is presented for documentary, educational, and entertainment purposes and is not intended to promote or encourage illegal behavior. This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: BetterHelp! See the reviews, see what stands out, and see if BetterHelp is right for you. Visit https://betterhelp.com/connect Mood! Head to https://mood.com, browse their amazing selection of functional gummies, and find the perfect gummy for whatever you're dealing with. Use promo code CONNECT at checkout to save 20% on your first order. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Intro: Mormon Kid to Cartel Hitman 01:27 Growing Up in a Strict Mormon Household 03:13 Rebelling Against Church Rules 04:16 First Adventure: Driving Heroin 06:40 Close Call: Witnessing a Chainsaw Murder 09:07 The Psychological Aftermath 12:32 Understanding the Cartel's Organization 15:10 Mental Health Struggles and Trauma 20:35 This Episode Is Sponsored By BetterHelp 21:55 Getting Back into Smuggling 23:23 Human Smuggling Operations and Safe Houses 27:18 Evolution into a Hitman 29:04 Cartel's Control and Police Corruption 31:52 The Job: Contract, Payment, and Preparation 36:27 The First Hit and Moral Numbing 40:33 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mood 42:33 Avoiding Addiction and the Double Life 45:08 The Worst Thing Seen: Four Days of Torture 52:00 The Drug Business and Burner Phones 01:10:11 Getting Busted and Going to Prison 01:17:00 Building the Snapchat Drug Empire 01:22:26 Why Keep Doing Hits? 01:24:07 The Last Job and Quitting 01:27:01 Arrest and Prison Sentence 01:30:09 Life After Prison and Redemption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At just 18 years old, Jacob Diaz went from growing up in extreme poverty and foster care to helping manage a massive cocaine trafficking operation stretching from the Texas border to Florida. In this episode, Jacob explains how he started as a driver and translator before eventually handling logistics, coordinating drivers, collecting money, managing stash houses, and helping oversee the U.S. side of an operation connected to the Beltrán Leyva organization. At its peak, the network was moving dozens of kilos a week, with Jacob describing hundreds of kilos moving through individual customers and millions of dollars changing hands. Jacob breaks down how the operation stayed under the radar, how cocaine moved across the country, what life was like around cartel figures in Mexico, and the mistake that eventually brought federal investigators to his door. After being convicted on a federal cocaine conspiracy charge and serving more than seven years in prison, Jacob completely changed direction and built a legitimate business helping people repair their credit and access funding. This is the story of how a teenager went from homelessness and foster care to the center of a multimillion-dollar cocaine operation—and how it all came crashing down. Go Support Jacob! Ig: https://www.instagram.com/mycreditbuilderpros/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect NordVPN! NordVPN! Upgrade your online protection with an all-in-one security app! Get an exclusive NordVPN deal + 4 months extra here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/theconnect. Itʼs risk free with NordVPNʼs 30-day money-back guarantee! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 0:00 Intro: From Foster Care to Cartel Logistics 6:11 Growing Up in Extreme Poverty in Ocala 11:50 Foster Care, Family Separation & His Mom Disappearing 17:15 Learning to Let Go and Move Forward 20:03 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims 21:48 Selling to Eat While Homeless 29:00 Selling Out of the Foster Home 34:32 Meeting the Man Who Became His Father Figure 41:54 Getting Involved In The Beltran-Leyva Organization 43:21 This Episode Is Sponsored By NordVPN 44:42 Becoming the U.S. Logistics Manager 47:17 Collecting Cash, Translating & Learning the Business 55:07 Border Routes, Checkpoints & Moving Product 1:00:57 The 70-Year-Old Cartel Mule 1:06:00 Moving 20 Kilos a Week Through Ocala 1:12:36 The Dream of Retiring in Spain 1:22:02 Cartel Security & Acapulco Nightlife 1:27:05 Living on a $30K-a-Month Party Budget 1:32:38 Why They Used One Distributor at a Time 1:38:02 How His Boss Got Back Across the Border 1:44:49 Flying Cash to Mexico 1:50:44 The 2011 Federal Investigation Begins 1:56:31 The Federal Case & Recorded Evidence 2:01:33 Sentenced to 10 Years in Federal Prison 2:06:51 Building a Credit Business in Prison Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Katarina Szulc returns to The Connect after reporting on the ground in Sinaloa, where the cartel war has pushed Culiacán deeper into violence and uncertainty. In this episode, she breaks down what she witnessed firsthand, why the Chapitos are under enormous pressure, and how CJNG could emerge as one of the biggest winners if the Chapitos eventually collapse or surrender. With CJNG already providing manpower and resources to its Sinaloa allies, could the organization ultimately move in and absorb their territory? We also get into the escalating war inside the Sinaloa Cartel, the future of the remaining Chapitos, alleged cartel ties to Mexican politicians, the growing influence of CJNG, what daily life now looks like in Culiacán, forced recruitment, and Katarina's disturbing investigation into human trafficking in Tijuana. This is an inside look at one of the most important power struggles happening in Mexico's criminal underworld—and what could come next. Go Support Katarina! YouTube: @katarinaszulc IG: https://www.instagram.com/katarinaszulc Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 The Cartel's Control Over Sinaloa 02:40 Senseless Murders and Public Fear 03:30 Governor Rocha's Indictment 08:30 Challenges of Reporting in Sinaloa 13:30 Inside the Daily Murders 20:00 The War for Cartel Control 23:30 CJNG Alliance and Mencho's Death 28:00 Cartel Convoys and Rural Danger 32:00 Humanizing Cartel Members 34:00 Victims and the New Generation 36:00 Cartel Economics and Recruitment 39:00 Chapitos' Surrender Talks 44:00 Political Leverage and US Influence 50:00 Mazatlan's Strategic Value 58:00 Human Trafficking Crisis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Former San Francisco undercover narcotics officer Britt Elmore exposes how the Tenderloin became one of America’s most notorious open-air drug markets — and how fentanyl, street dealers, weak prosecution, addiction, homelessness, and organized trafficking reshaped the city. In this episode, Britt breaks down the San Francisco fentanyl crisis from the inside. After 25 years working narcotics, undercover buys, federal task force cases, wiretaps, gun deals, stolen car operations, cartel-linked investigations, and street-level drug markets, Britt explains how the fentanyl trade operates in the Bay Area and why San Francisco became a magnet for addiction, homelessness, and open-air drug dealing. He discusses the Tenderloin drug market, Honduran street dealers, Mexican suppliers, fentanyl economics, undercover police work, drug trafficking routes, confidential informants, cartel connections, stolen property rings, car break-ins, retail theft, rehab fraud, Proposition 47, and why many officers believe the system has stopped holding repeat offenders accountable. This conversation is a raw, unfiltered look at crime, addiction, policing, fentanyl, and the collapse of public order in one of America’s most iconic cities. Topics covered: -San Francisco fentanyl crisis -Tenderloin open-air drug market -SFPD undercover narcotics work -Fentanyl trafficking in California -Honduran drug dealers in San Francisco -Mexican cartel supply chains -Drug addiction and homelessness -Proposition 47 and criminal justice reform -Retail theft, bipping, and stolen property rings -Confidential informants and federal wiretaps -Undercover gun and drug buys -How fentanyl changed the drug trade Go Support Britt! LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/britt-elmore-5641a53a This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Mood! Head to https://mood.com, browse their amazing selection of functional gummies, and find the perfect gummy for whatever you're dealing with. Use promo code CONNECT at checkout to save 20% on your first order. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 San Francisco’s fentanyl crisis 01:33 Arrests, treatment, and the debate over addiction policy 03:04 Drugs inside jails, rehabs, and nonprofit systems 07:16 San Francisco’s tech wealth and drug culture 11:16 Honduran dealers and the Tenderloin street market 13:57 How Tenderloin dealers make money and avoid arrest 15:18 Heroin, fentanyl, and changing opioid markets 17:28 The economics of fentanyl 20:16 Britt Elmore’s undercover narcotics career 24:34 How Honduran dealers arrive, live, and operate in the Bay Area 28:35 Working wires from street dealers to Mexico 30:01 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mood 31:37 Meth, heroin, Sinaloa links, and border corruption 41:24 The undercover warehouse fencing operation 49:20 Reactive policing, low-level crime, and Proposition 47 55:01 “Bipping,” retail theft, and stolen goods networks 1:02:13 Drug transport routes through California, Oregon, and Washington 1:04:18 How federal wiretaps work 1:10:45 Major seizures and hidden stash houses 1:12:18 Prescription pills, addiction, and fentanyl recovery 1:23:03 Narcan, overdoses, and fentanyl contamination myths 1:29:39 Mexican trafficking groups, meth, and Hell’s Angels case 1:32:12 Informants, federal pressure, and who flips 1:51:42 Guns, switches, Dracos, and ATF cases 2:00:51 Cannabis eradication and drug money in the mail 2:18:28 Life undercover, adrenaline, and retirement Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Steven Dixon, a former Baltimore heroin kingpin, reveals how the city’s drug trade really worked during its most notorious era—from New York suppliers and mob connections to high-purity heroin, street corners generating staggering amounts of cash, and the operation that made him millions. He breaks down how heroin moved from New York to Baltimore, how dealers controlled territory across West Baltimore, why trusted connections mattered, and how the drug economy seen in The Wire compared to what was actually happening on the streets. But the money and power came with a devastating price. After building a massive operation and owning more than 100 properties, Steven eventually became addicted to heroin himself—losing the empire, the money, and nearly everything else. After years of addiction, he finally got clean, returned to school, earned a master’s degree, and dedicated his life to helping others recover through addiction treatment and behavioral health programs. This is the inside story of Baltimore’s heroin era—from millions in drug money to addiction, recovery, and redemption. Go Support Steven! Recovery Facility: https://absolutehbh.com/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Cash App! Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/1ekoiacn #CashAppPod Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. Superpower! Head to https://superpower.com and use code CONNECT at checkout for $20 off your membership. Get 100+ biomarkers tested every year, plus a personalized health plan and on-demand care team. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod NordVPN! Upgrade your online protection with an all-in-one security app! Get an exclusive NordVPN deal + 4 months extra here ➼ https://nordvpn.com/theconnect. Itʼs risk free with NordVPNʼs 30-day money-back guarantee! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Meet Steve Dixon 00:37 Baltimore's Heroin Kingpin 02:11 Reflections on the Drug Trade 03:32 Why Baltimore is a Heroin City 05:13 The Nigerian Connection 07:44 Building a Fortune 10:53 From Heroin to Fentanyl 12:07 This Episode Is Sponsored By Cash App 13:27 Growing Up in Baltimore 16:04 A Life on the Streets 19:03 Acquiring Turf and Connections 21:27 Regrets and Community Impact 23:35 Keys to Success in the Game 25:31 The Mob and Nigerian Sources 27:00 Distribution Network 30:43 This Episode Is Sponsored By Superpower 32:13 Police and Stash Houses 34:54 Violence and Stickup Boys 37:24 The Fall: Addiction 40:16 Investing in the Community 42:16 This Episode Is Sponsored By NordVPN 43:52 The Addiction to Money 45:40 A Day in the Life 50:38 Handling Massive Cash 52:37 The Turning Point 56:30 Dodging a Federal Case 58:00 Descent into Addiction 01:01:40 Losing Everything 01:04:10 Life as a Homeless Addict 01:07:26 The Road to Recovery 01:11:20 Helping Others Get Clean 01:14:42 The Rehab Industry 01:18:22 Redemption and Legacy 01:20:24 Is Baltimore Better Now? 01:23:57 Changing Attitudes in the Community 01:27:02 Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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