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Benjamin T Smith

The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade

The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade

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  • More about The Dope: The Real History of the Mexican Drug Trade

The Mexican drug wars have inspired many articles, TV shows, and movies, but there is a hidden history to the story. The Dope by Benjamin T. Smith traces the history of the illicit industry from its beginnings with farmers, families, and healers to its dominance by cartels, kingpins, and corruption. It features Enrique Fernández, Eduardo 'Lalo' Fernández, Leopoldo Salazar Viniegra, and Harry Anslinger, who influenced Mexico as we know it.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 448 pages
Publication date: 23 June 2022
Publisher: Ebury Publishing


The Mexican drug wars have captivated the world through countless articles, TV shows, and movies. From the iconic Breaking Bad to the gripping Sicario, the story of El Chapo's escape to Trump's tirades has become a familiar narrative. However, there is a hidden history to this monumental story that has yet to be fully uncovered.

The Dope delves into the origins of an illicit industry that began with farmers, families, and healers, gradually becoming dominated by cartels, kingpins, and corruption. Author Benjamin T. Smith takes readers on an unforgettable journey, tracing the lives of a diverse cast of characters from the early twentieth century to the modern day. These characters, whose actions have profoundly influenced Mexico as we know it, include Enrique Fernández, the borderlands trafficker who became Mexico's first major narco and a victim of the war on drugs; Eduardo 'Lalo' Fernández, Mexico's most prominent heroin chemist and cocaine importer; Leopoldo Salazar Viniegra, a brilliant doctor and Marxist who attempted (and failed) to decriminalize Mexico's drugs; and 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 is an epic saga that explores how violence and corruption have plagued modern Mexico. It is the first book to provide a comprehensive understanding of the political and economic dimensions of the Mexican drug wars. Through meticulous research and compelling storytelling, Smith sheds light on the complex web of factors that have contributed to this tragic situation. The book offers a fresh perspective on a story that has been widely reported but often misunderstood.

In conclusion, The Dope is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the complex history and ongoing challenges of the Mexican drug wars. It provides a comprehensive and insightful analysis of a story that has captivated the world for decades. By delving into the hidden history and revealing the true nature of the illicit industry, the book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of this critical issue.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 197 x 127 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529105698

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