Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade

The Dope is a magisterial and immensely readable history of the Mexican drug wars, from their origins in the early twentieth century to their dominance by cartels, kingpins, and corruption in the modern day. It unearths the twisted roots of the catastrophic drug war and provides a history-for-all of Mexico's all-out drug war, revealing how an illicit industry that started with farmers, families, and healers came to be dominated by cartels, kingpins, and corruption.

Format: Hardback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2021
Publisher: Ebury Publishing

Magisterial and immensely readable, The Dope is a true crime masterpiece that transports readers back to the golden age of drug trafficking, reminiscent of the gripping Netflix narcodrama series.

In his meticulously researched and compelling narrative, Benjamin T. Smith delves deep into the twisted roots of the catastrophic drug war that has plagued Mexico for decades. A fascinating, surreal, and tragic tale, The Dope offers a history-for-all of Mexico's all-out drug war, shedding light on the events and characters that have shaped the country's landscape.

From the early twentieth century to the modern day, Smith traces an unforgettable cast of characters, each with their own unique story and impact on the drug war. From Enrique Fernández, the borderlands trafficker who became Mexico's first major narco and one of the first victims of the war on drugs, to Eduardo Lalo Fernández, Mexico's most prominent heroin chemist and first major cocaine importer, to Leopoldo Salazar Viniegra, the brilliant doctor and Marxist who tried (and failed) to decriminalize Mexico's drugs, and finally to Harry Anslinger, the head of the Federal Bureau of Narcotics whose sensationalist strategies paved the way for U.S. interference and the extraordinary levels of violence in Mexico today, The Dope presents a comprehensive and nuanced portrait of the complex web of drug trafficking, corruption, and power that has plagued modern Mexico.

What sets The Dope apart is its ability to make sense of the political and economic big picture of the drug war. Smith weaves together a complex web of historical, social, and political factors that have contributed to the war's escalation, providing readers with a comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics at play. The book also offers valuable insights into the impact of the drug war on Mexico's society, economy, and culture, highlighting the devastating consequences of violence and corruption on the lives of ordinary Mexicans.

In conclusion, The Dope is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex and often bewildering world of the Mexican drug war. With its magisterial prose, compelling narrative, and deep insights into the political and economic forces.

Weight: 674g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529105674