Plaza Vallarta

This is the story that they warned me with threatening messages not to share. Nothing has been changed and I hope you enjoy chapter 1.

Plaza Vallarta, will cover the rich history of Narcos in the resort port. In the coming chapters, I will compare how different cartels operate in PV. The series will conclude as we get closer to the main players.

This series will have a weekly chapter until the story is told.

Chapter 1

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Early Morning

It was shortly after 5:00 am on Thursday. The house was quiet, and everyone was sleepy. I started the long drive to the airport. I was going through the motions inside the airport as if my travel was just another business trip. Walking through the terminal towards my gate, I made a quick detour towards the bar and arrived at the entrance to board with a margarita. I was going to Puerto Vallarta, not for a holiday, but to learn more about an elusive cartel boss.

The hum of the aircraft and the occasional clinking of glasses did little to distract me from the dossier in my lap—a compilation of research, notes, and insights on the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG). El Sapo, a figure shrouded in mystery and power, occupied the center of my investigation.

Initially, I had intended to shed light on the realities of sex trafficking in the region. However, the enigmatic allure of El Sapo and his operations had steered me down a path far more complex and dangerous. With every page turn, the plane drew closer to the land that held the keys to understanding the depths of cartel influence.

Landing

Landing in Puerto Vallarta, the warmth of the air was a stark contrast to the chill of anticipation running through my veins. The airport’s arrival hall, with its aggressive timeshare salespeople, felt like a masquerade, each person a possible emissary of the CJNG.

The walk toward immigration began. The mission would come down to cat-and-mouse games with the cartel and my safety. The biggest concern is getting out of the airport without drawing too much attention.

My appearance is closer to that of a DEA agent traveling alone. I am familiar with the city, considered potential safety concerns months ago, and decided on rotating hotels throughout my stay.

Stepping into the open hall, the reality of my quest settled in. This was more than a trip; it was a plunge into a world dominated by shadows and secrets. The decision to come here, driven by a thirst for knowledge and a need to understand the cartel’s inner workings, now felt like a pact with uncertainty.

The initial research into sex trafficking had unwittingly led me to the doorstep of one of the most formidable cartels in Mexico. The intrigue surrounding El Sapo, a man who commanded both fear and respect, promised to unveil a narrative far more intricate than I had anticipated. This was the beginning of a journey not just into the heart of Jalisco but into El Mencho’s crown jewel for money laundering.

Enter City

For simplicity and anonymity, I’ll refer to my driver as “Jorge.” The drive with Jorge to the hotel started with the usual exchanges. Jorge is in his late 20s and a native of Vallarta. But I decided to delve more deeply during the second half of the ride to the hotel.

Without revealing my knowledge on the topic, I casually asked about La Leche and the infamous kidnapping incident with Los Chapitos. It was a subtle probe to gauge his reaction and the local perspective on such a sensitive subject. I made no interruptions or corrections; instead, I chose to listen intently, using his response as a barometer for how much of the undercurrents of Vallarta’s societal fabric I could safely explore.

Jorge’s narrative was cautious, yet he freely spoke about the Sinaloa Cartel. I decided to press Jorge a little and ask if the plaza is different under the four letters. His eyes looked up into the review mirror into my sunglasses with the look of a ghost. He acted as if he could not hear and motioned for me to repeat the question, which I did.

Jorge replied frantically, ”We don’t say that; don’t mention that out loud!” I quickly changed the subject to ziplining. As Jorge dropped me off at the hotel, I understood that learning about El Sapo would be challenging. A rule I set for my safety is to stop at dark and enjoy the city. Tomorrow, I will start with my first lead, Tigers.

Now the scene is set. Chapter 2 Tiger Lead comes out on Saturday.

Thanks for reading Mica.