Plaza Vallarta | Chapter 2: Tiger Lead

Mica for cartelinsider.com This is the second Chapter in my series, “Plaza Vallarta.” The first Chapter can be read here: https://cartelinsider.com/mica_plaza_vallarta/

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Tiger Lead

Exotic pets are a status symbol for narcos, and having your own Tiger is the next level. Cartel leaders love Tigers, and my information is that El Sapo is no different. Puerto Vallarta has a Zoo in Mismaloya, 40 minutes south of the city. The route to this area is a two-lane road with the Pacific Ocean on the West and jungle-filled mountains to the East.

In 2016, I had a lengthy conversation with an employee who confirmed my speculation that the zoo is essentially a “Tiger mill” for narcos to purchase their very own status symbol. The insider explained that the cartels pay for the cubs, which is how all the animals in the zoo get fed. Like many businesses integrated with cartels, what’s the alternative? “Silver or lead,” as the saying goes.

Breakfast

I started with breakfast at La Palapa, a popular establishment with an expensive menu on the beach. I chose to sit outside with a view of the vendors who sell souvenirs along the coast, wearing all white. These are also the people who ask if you want weed or coke. Retail drugs in this area belong to CJNG. Attempting to sell drugs in this area without the permission of CJNG is a death sentence.

All of the stuff the vendors sell comes from the cartel. When Sinaloa was in charge, people would talk to me about Chapo with respect and pride in his escapes and stories of generosity. I would even say he was a national treasure for many pacing the beach.

After breakfast, I changed hotels, removed the hotel band, and headed to The Zoo. Hotel bracelets are often used to start conversations with strangers and provide too much information for this trip.

Uber

I ordered an Uber from a restaurant a few blocks from my hotel. A Nissan model I am not familiar with arrives with a big guy sporting neck tattoos. I dressed for a part with a coastal linen blazer. I don’t have the luxury of being a famous reporter with whom people want to share information. Instead, I go undercover or play a role for a specific occasion with a backstory.

I got into the backseat passenger side and handed him a customary $2 bill. The Uber driver is in his early 20s; he has a clean car with two phones and familiar ballads playing.

The driver speaks good English and asks about my zoo business. My prepared answer came out casually, “I am here to inspect Tigers.” He looked back at me. I explained that my services include inspecting the health of exotic animals before purchasing, and in this case, three tiger cubs.

The driver was fully engaged and had expressed his interest in tigers. I laid a trap and sat back, waiting for him to address it as he continued speaking. Shortly, he bit the bait and asked who the buyers were. Playing the role, I said the buyers usually meet the profile of affluent, influential, and powerful, but they are not public figures.

The National Guard and Army vehicles are equipped with soldiers behind us in a convoy down the narrow bends of the road. Playing the role, I said, “Do I need to worry about my safety? He replied, “No, no, they are patrolling. You are safe with me.”

This plan was playing out just the way I had hoped. I respectfully reached forward with 500 pesos and thanked him. He put the money in his shirt pocket and instantly started gossiping, “They are searching for El Mencho’s people.” He pointed at the jungle-filled mountains and stated, “This area, as far as you can see, belongs to CJNG.”

Role Play

My read on the driver is that he is someone who is not afraid to talk (he is a talker) and has an interest in narcos. The drive was long, so I let him tell me about the Chapitos kidnapping, again without revealing that I was already familiar with it. It turned out he was knowledgeable about the abduction. Link to Chapitos Kidnapping

When he finished, I said, “Tell me about El Sapo.” He replied with, “El Chapo”? I paused, smiled, and replied, “No, tell me about the Toad.” The driver shook his head and said, “Ah, El Sapo. He is the boss. You and I can talk here, but don’t say his name after.” He asked how I knew about El Sapo. My canned response said I read about him with the timeshare stuff in the news.

Afraid I was losing his cooperation, I said, “I am not asking for you to do anything but share some stories if you have any on El Sapo or CJNG”. I reached forward with another 500 pesos. He repeated the process and placed the money in his shirt pocket.

This is some dialogue before he dropped me off at the bus stop across from Hotel Barcelo.

Mica: Tell me about his appearance.

Driver: He is Gordo (fat).

Mica: How about his size?

Driver: 180cm tall (~6ft) and 85kg (~190lb)

Mica: Do you know why he is named El Sapo?

Driver: They say because his shape and face look it.

Mica: What about Liliana Rosas (his wife)? Tell me about her movements, does she come to the city?

Driver: Not anymore. After they killed the governor (Referring to Aristóteles Sandoval killed in a restaurant. Sapo keeps a low profile.

Mica: I hear he lives outside Vallarta. Tell me what people think of him.

Driver: Yes, he lives 40 minutes from Vallarta on a ranch. He is disciplined and does not draw attention. People fear him, and talking about him will get you killed.

Mica: How do you know?

Driver: My sister works for him.

Mica: El Sapo must have a lot of people who work for him directly and indirectly.

Driver: Yes

Mica: One last question, my friend. Where does El Sapo live?

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The next Chapter will be released next week. Check X for updates @cartelinsider1.

Thanks for reading! Mica