Johnny sits down with “El Diablo,” an active high-ranking member of the Sinaloa cartel, for a rare and intense conversation about the realities of the modern drug trade. El Diablo talks about how he got started at just 14 years old, how cartel loyalty works, the logistics of moving cocaine from Colombia through Mexico and into the United States, and why he believes staying low-key kept him out of prison for over 30 years. He also breaks down how distribution networks operate across the U.S., how money is moved and laundered, the role of trucking and logistics, internal cartel politics, and why major arrests and killings rarely stop the flow of drugs. Toward the end, he opens up about the personal cost of the lifestyle, the violence, betrayal, and fear that come with it, and why he says he’s finally ready to walk away. This is one of the most raw and eye-opening interviews yet on The Connect. Topics covered: -cartel life -cocaine trafficking -Sinaloa cartel, border smuggling -cartel loyalty -money laundering -trucking routes -drug distribution -organized crime -leaving the game This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Ava! Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app, and when you join using MY promo code CONNECT20, you’ll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice. Nic Nac! Get Nic Nacs at https://nicnac.com/johnny and use code Johnny for 20% off, or use the store locator to find Nic Nacs near you. If you use nicotine, Nic Nac is the discreet way to do it. Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/CONNECT Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction: Keys to Cartel Life 01:36 Meet El Diablo: Cartel Insider 05:17 El Diablo's Early Days & Entry 13:27 The Art of Moving Up & Staying Out 16:59 This Episode Is Sponsored By Ava! 18:28 Building U.S. Networks & Customer Bases 31:59 This Episode Is Sponsored By Nic Nac! 33:07 Cartel Logistics: From Colombia to U.S. 40:19 Cartel Money Flows & Laundering 46:09 The Importance of Laying Low 47:00 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims! 48:51 Map of Cartel Influence in the U.S. 51:36 Cartel Loyalty & the Rise of Snitching 59:40 Fentanyl, Meth & Shifting Drug Markets 01:04:59 Profits, Losses & Realities of the Game 01:05:59 Retirement: Leaving the Cartel Safely 01:10:00 Reflections: Warnings & Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices