How Drug Trafficking Actually Works — From Heroin to Cocaine | How Crime Works | Insider

Dr. Adi Jaffe, a reformed ex-meth distributor, provides an in-depth look into the world of crime, detailing his personal journey and the realities of methamphetamine production and distribution. He discusses the initial foray into the drug trade, the makeshift labs, the strong ammonia smell, and the use of short-term rentals for cooking meth. Jaffe also touches on the movement of labs to avoid detection, the theft of nitrogen-rich fertilizers, and the shift to mobile labs in vans and RVs. He describes the secretive nature of the meth 'cooks' and the 'Smurfs' who gather ingredients, highlighting the allure of quick money and the risks involved in the drug trade.

This paragraph delves into the quality of meth and its production methods, with a focus on the shift from ephedrine-based meth to the more potent P2P meth. It discusses the lore of P2P meth and the customer demand for it. The speaker shares his experiences with the drug trade, including dealing with suppliers and the cartel, and the reliability of supply from Mexican superlabs. The paragraph also addresses the impact of meth production on farming communities and the challenges of meth use and its connection to mental health issues. It concludes with the speaker's personal reasons for leaving the drug trade and the difficulty of finding legitimate employment after incarceration.

The speaker discusses the complexity of meth production and use, emphasizing the challenges of stopping meth production and use. He highlights the personal stories of those involved in the drug trade and the lack of viable alternatives for those struggling with addiction. The paragraph addresses the high costs of interdiction and prohibition, the rising numbers of those struggling with addiction, and the societal impact of the war on drugs. It also touches on the need for a shift in approach to drug addiction and the importance of understanding the root causes of methamphetamine use.

This paragraph provides an in-depth look at the opium poppy and the process of turning it into opium and then into heroin. It discusses the cultivation of opium poppy, the extraction of morphine, and the subsequent chemical processes to produce heroin. The speaker describes the different types of heroin, the methods of smuggling, and the challenges faced in getting heroin out of Afghanistan. The paragraph also touches on the dangers of brown heroin and the speaker's personal experiences with the drug trade.

The speaker shares his experiences as a heroin smuggler, discussing the methods used to transport heroin, the importance of courier selection, and the knowledge required to navigate airport security. He talks about the use of multiple passports, the creation of false identities, and the strategies employed to ensure the safety of the couriers. The paragraph also covers the risks of smuggling, the consequences of arrest, and the speaker's personal low points, including the tragic loss of loved ones.

The speaker discusses large-scale heroin distribution methods, including shipping large quantities through legitimate firms and the use of various techniques to avoid detection. He reflects on the profitability of the drug trade, the changes in the market over time, and the risks associated with the business. The paragraph also touches on the political elements of opium and heroin distribution and the speaker's thoughts on the war on drugs and the potential benefits of drug legalization.

The speaker, reflecting on his life after leaving the smuggling business, talks about his current activities, which include installing CCTV cameras and writing books. He expresses regret for his past life and discusses the lack of choice he felt when he was deeply involved in the drug trade. The paragraph also covers the author's experiences with writing about complex subjects, such as the world of Afghanistan and Pakistan, and the DEA's involvement.

The speaker, known as Posh Pete, details his experiences in smuggling cocaine internationally. He discusses the process of cocaine farming, the payment to farmers, and the chemicals required for processing. The paragraph covers the methods used to smuggle cocaine, including impregnating it into rubber and employing innocent-looking passengers to transport the drugs. It also touches on the risks of being caught and the speaker's views on the dangers of the drug trade.

The speaker discusses the complexities of the cocaine trade, including the division of profits, the use of money-transfer agencies, and the control exerted by cartels. He highlights the difficulty of stopping drug trafficking and the potential solutions, such as legalizing drugs. The paragraph also covers the speaker's personal experiences with drug trafficking, his arrest, and his views on the war on drugs and its impact on society.

The speaker, who smuggled ecstasy into America, discusses the business side of smuggling, including the structure of his operation, the rules he set, and the methods of laundering money. He talks about the competition with other criminal organizations and the risks involved in the drug trade. The paragraph also covers the speaker's experiences with law enforcement, his time in prison, and his current efforts to educate others on the harms of drug use.

The speaker, a former undercover police officer, discusses the dynamics of drug crime and its differences from other forms of criminality. He explains how the arrest of drug dealers can lead to an increase in crime and the creation of monopolies. The paragraph covers the competitive nature of the drug market, the exploitation of user-dealers, and the role of violence in controlling the market. It also touches on the speaker's personal experiences in infiltrating drug-dealing gangs and the challenges he faced.

The speaker, a former undercover officer, reflects on the futility of the war on drugs and the increase in corruption and violence it has caused. He discusses the shift of drug markets online and the potential benefits and drawbacks of this transition. The paragraph also covers the speaker's advocacy for the full regulation of drug markets and his work with the Law Enforcement Action Partnership to promote reform.