#346 – Ed Calderon: Mexican Drug Cartels

Trust is an essential part of life.Ed Calderon, a security specialist with extensive experience in counter-narcotics investigation in Mexico, offers insight on the importance of trust.He explains that anyone can be corrupted, as seen in his own experiences, and that trust is something that is never guaranteed.His advice is to observe a person's character and path experiences, as well as their biology, to assess whether they can be trusted.Furthermore, he warns that sometimes a person's mask can be so good they don't even recognize it themselves.In conclusion, it's important to be mindful and cautious when trusting someone.

Our environment, culture and upbringing shape us in ways we don't always realize.Growing up in Tijuana, Ed Calderon was exposed to a world of opportunity and risk.He was taught to be independent and look out for others while also witnessing the power of corruption and bribery.Despite being presented with the opportunity to take advantage of the system, Ed had an internal compass that guided him towards making the right choices.His experience showed him the importance of understanding someone's background, nature, and nurture to get a better understanding of who they are.Thanks to his mother, Ed learned the skills to make the right decisions, which have shaped him into the person he is today.

A good moral compass is a valuable asset in life.In my experience, it is something that can be learned by looking at people who have it and striving to emulate them.Lieutenant Colonel Alda is a perfect example.He was incorruptible and led from the front, inspiring the people around him to be better and do the right thing.Despite numerous assassination attempts, Alda remained strong in his convictions and paid a heavy price for it.Fear is a natural motivator and can be a powerful force, but it is important to remember that principles are far more important than material possessions.Alda's legacy of integrity and decency is a reminder to us all that there is something greater at stake than money and that life is too short to not live with integrity.

Ed Calderon's story paints a vivid picture of the immense pressure and difficulty he faced growing up.From the death of his brother to the grueling initiation process of a paramilitary group, Ed encountered many hardships.Despite his self-destructive tendencies, he persevered and overcame these obstacles.He learned that life is about dying for something good, and that it's important to never give up and to keep striving for more in the face of adversity.

Ed Calderon's story serves as a warning that we should never take what we are taught for granted.He was trained with a Beretta 92FS and given a Glock 17 on the job, which he had never seen before.He had been indoctrinated with a sense of nationalistic pride, only to be thrust into a conflict he had never expected.This conflict, the Mexican Drug War, involves politicians, the military, police, cartels and other countries.Calderon's story serves as a reminder that we must always research and be prepared for the reality of what we are facing.

The cartels of Mexico are a dangerous and powerful force.They make money through drug trafficking, extortion, money laundering, and paid protection schemes.They are in control of many areas, and their influence extends to politics.Unfortunately, this means that politicians who try to remain honest and upstanding are in danger of assassination.The cartels have even industrialised body disposal, leaving many families with missing loved ones who have no hope of recovering them.It's a devastating and complex issue that requires urgent attention.

The criminal underworld in Mexico has been an ever-present threat that preys on the lack of economic opportunities.Many young people are forced to take up illegal activity, whether it be joining gangs or cartels, or being blackmailed into participating.These groups have a tendency to leverage their resources to gain power and control of local areas.They often recruit members from the police force by bribing them and using their family ties.The cartels also use trade craft to dispose of bodies, with methods such as putting rocks inside the body and wrapping them in chicken wire to make them sink, burning them, and burying them in clandestine graves.This demonstrates the need to create economic opportunities for young people in Mexico, so they can avoid the criminal underworld.

The dark side of the narco industry is that people with specialized training, who used to work in it, are now left with few options.People are being targeted because of their youth and lack of experience.As a result, cartels have become a form of Robinhood, providing hospitals, churches, and schools as well as enforcing mask mandates.Unfortunately, there are no rules anymore and violence is rampant, with revenge killings and mutilations.This extreme brutality has even been exported via social media.It is a reminder of the importance of educating people about narco culture and providing them with resources to fight it.

Violence and brutality have been a part of our world for a long time.Cartels and other groups use terrifying tactics such as public executions to send a message and assert their power.Recently, technology has allowed these horrific acts to be broadcasted and shared, making them more widely known.Despite numerous efforts to put an end to this violence, it has become clear that in some areas, the cartels have more power than the government.This situation, with corrupt military forces and a lack of long-term solutions, has created a cycle of violence that continues to plague our world.It is our job to look for solutions to this problem, and to make sure that no one suffers more of this violence.

Despite the danger that comes with it, Mexican journalists have bravely reported on the organized crime cartels, and the man behind one of the most powerful ones, Elba, for decades.Elba learnt his craft in Los Angeles and was interviewed by a magazine over 10 years ago.He is believed to have been the leader of the Sinaloa cartel since the 80s and could still be alive in the shadows.His arrest didn't change anything however, as he was just one part of the leadership, with other family and power nucleuses still in control.The Mexican Navy and Army are still struggling with the problem of corruption, with the ports being a major conduit of precursors of drugs.Journalists are at risk, and people can find leaked documents online to see just how dysfunctional and untrusting these two forces are.

Reporting in hostile environments can be a dangerous job.Journalists who report on cartel activities in Mexico risk their lives.It is not enough to report one side of the story, as it can be seen as spreading cartel propaganda.Building trust is essential to get close to the cartel leaders, but humanizing them and understanding their stories is also important.In Mexico, there are other ways to tell their stories such as Mexican folk songs.These songs can create a myth about them and, in some cases, even be a form of honor.Though there are villains everywhere, some meetings are also about getting the story out there.

The criminal underworld of Mexico can be a dark place, but among the violence and danger there exists a shared morality and humanity.Cartels are often seen as villains, but they do much good for their communities, from building roads and hospitals, to paying for medical careers.Even the infamous El Chapo Guzman's sons have gained legendary status.When the army arrived to arrest one of them, the cartels worked to evacuate the citizens and protect their home.Silence is the main weapon of the people as they are met with rocks and roadblocks when opposing forces arrive.It's impossible to paint all with the same villain brush, as everyone is a villain in someone else's story.

El Chap is a person who has seen the development of the cartels from the beginning, making him a unique window into the family dynamics of that world.He has witnessed how families and blood ties have been formed to gain influence and power, both in Mexico and the United States.Even though he is in prison, his legacy will live on as he is on his way to becoming a Mexican Robin Hood and a folk saint.El Chap's story is not only a window into the past but also into the present.It is a reminder of how deeply integrated the cartels have become into legitimate businesses and how they use illegal immigration as a political and financial bargaining chip.His story is evolving and provides a unique insight into the drug war and how it affects the United States.

The illegal trafficking of firearms is a dangerous global issue.It has caused harm to many, such as the tragic story of one of my friend's family.The guns were unique, and were used by federal agents.However, these guns were also let down in Mexico, leading to the death of many people.The local populace now has a negative sentiment towards the United States.Sadly, this situation is getting worse with the addition of weaponized drones, explosives, and military grade equipment from conflict zones.We must work together to end this illegal trafficking of firearms and to make our communities safe.

The use of armored vehicles, weapons and other tactics to protect high-value targets has been a race of technological advancement.In some cases, armor alone is not enough, as seen in the attempted assassination of a state prosecutor in Mexico who survived despite being in an up-armored Jeep Cherokee.To counter such vehicles, 50 cows and even balloons and paint can be used to blind the vehicle, or even tow lines across roads to cut it in half.There is also a fear of killing Americans and this is used as a deterrent.However, there have been cases of Americans being killed, and now more technologically savvy younger generations are using platforms like TikTok as a recruitment tool, with the promise of money and a high roller life.

In order to protect a high value target, Ed Calderon was tasked to protect the governor of Baja and his family.He was a young man with no specialized training, and had to learn quickly how to protect the target in a war zone.He learned techniques from Israeli and US Navy Special Warfare personnel and was also able to gain expertise quickly by taking courses, talking to experts and learning from them.Ed was able to figure out how to set up a counter surveillance team to protect the governor, and in the process gained a wealth of knowledge about armor vehicles, architectural armor and airplane security.He was able to use this experience to protect the governor and his family from harm.

Having a secure environment for high value people is difficult, especially when trust has already been broken.Knowing what to fear and being aware of the situation is key, such as looking at people's hands instead of their faces.Route analysis and false information can also be used to protect the person.It is important to also create randomness and unpredictability to make it harder for people to guess the person's whereabouts.It is amazing how many assassination attempts were avoided with simple strategies such as timing and showing up to a different location at the last minute.Through training and operational training, people learn how to ambush and protect against ambushes.These strategies provide security and peace of mind in high risk situations.

Learning how to create a successful counter ambush team requires understanding how to utilize ambushing tactics to your advantage.This involves recognizing opportunities where you can control the area, predict your enemy's movements, and plan your escape.To be a successful ambusher, it is important to have more information on the enemy and to have the element of surprise.It is also beneficial to use adversarial thinking to better understand the enemy and to not dehumanize them.Lastly, it is important to remember that there is a person on the other side, and to have empathy for them.

In a time of war, it is easy to forget the oneness of humanity that we all share.Even though it is easy to blur out the narrative of the "other side" and paint them as the enemy, our human connection can still be seen in moments like these.Lex and Ed demonstrate this connection when they meet a friend of Ed's who is fighting for the other side.Despite the differences that divide them, they are able to have a conversation like any other.The compassion and love they have for each other can even surpass the hatred that war has created.This is why it is essential to remember our common humanity in times of conflict.

Ed Calderon faced a difficult time in his life while working on the protection detail with the governor.He was working on the streets and was taking turns with his brother to take care of his mother's health issues.He was also dealing with a two year old and a difficult marriage.His job was making it more difficult for him due to the pressures, odd hours and financial insecurity.His mother shared a wise advice with him that though there are bad and good people, none of them is against him.He should not make the mistake of dehumanizing anyone.He realized that it was going to be difficult to stay there and decided to quit.

Faced with an unexpected tragedy, Ed felt powerless to grieve.He was denied a leave of absence and faced with corruption, he was forced to resign.Fortunately, he had developed some friendships in the United States who opened their doors and provided him with the support he needed.With their help, he was able to get his family across the border and start his journey to the American dream.Despite the overwhelming odds, Ed found the courage to take risks and build a new life for himself and his family.This story speaks to the power of resilience and demonstrates that no matter the odds, a better future is always possible.

Ed's story is a reminder that no matter what we have faced, there is always a way back to our core.He faced many challenges including immigration issues, PTSD, and TBI, but found his way back through connecting with people with similar struggles, and finding a healthier outlet for his emotions.He learned that it's okay to process his emotions and that therapy and support are key.He also knew that he could not drink away his problems and instead had to confront them.In the end, Ed found the courage to take control of his life and come out the other side.

Ed Calderon had been through a number of challenging experiences, including the death of his mother, the end of his marriage, and the onset of the Covid pandemic.He had been trying to manage his emotions by drinking and engaging in self-destructive behavior.One night, he drank an entire bottle of gin, and it almost killed him.This was a turning point for Ed, and he made the conscious decision to stop drinking.Despite his difficult circumstances, he was able to find the strength to make a positive change and break free from his self-destructive habits.Ed is now two years sober and is proud of his accomplishments.His story is an inspiring example of the power of resilience and determination.

Ed Calderon was an ex-police officer in Mexico and was struggling with an alcohol addiction.He was motivated to make a change when his daughter told him to stop drinking.He took a drastic step and threw away all the alcohol he had and locked himself away for two weeks.This was a challenging process and he was supported by a community of kind people who stood him up and thanked him for his donation.He found a friend in a rodeo clown who saw his process and inspired him to share it online.Despite the criticism and hate, Ed Calderon continued to share his experience and is determined to have a good death.

Learning from the example of Royce Gracie, we can see that having a holistic approach to martial arts and understanding of violence is important.It encompasses not only physical defense, but also understanding of weapons and the environment around us.Royce has shown that even a small person can defend themselves with the right knowledge.With the example of his courage and fearlessness, we can understand the importance of taking extreme ownership and being inspired by those who have gone through the ringer and come out of it thriving.

Ed Calderon is a great example of someone who has a broad understanding of the chaotic nature of combat.He trained with Ernest Emerson, a famous knife maker, to learn a defensive strategy against weapons.He also was influenced by Royce, a Brazilian fighter, to get out of the "bubble" of only learning one system.Ed Calderon's specialty is understanding the mindset of those in the fight and how to arm oneself with basic, everyday items.He gave an example of how to use a pen and friction from a carpet to create a hypodermic needle.Ed also gifted a G 10 rod encased in oak, which is capable of being a stabbing implement.This is a great example of intelligence and violence melding together, especially in places where people are limited in their ability to arm themselves.

Self-defense is important in a dangerous world.Knowing how to protect yourself and those around you is a critical skill.This includes understanding vital points in the body, such as the carotid arteries and the heart, which can be vulnerable in an ambush situation.It is also important to learn basic trauma care, such as how to stop someone from bleeding out, in order to be an asset instead of a detriment in an emergency.Knowing how to handle a weapon is also essential, as any knowledge can be weaponized.By learning these skills, one can help themselves and others in dangerous situations.

Learning self-defense can be a valuable skill in dangerous situations.Knowledge of the environment and paying attention to details like symmetry and body language can help identify potentially threatening scenarios.Examples of these can include someone brandishing a weapon, or a crowd of people where one individual is behaving differently than the others.Experiential learning such as hunting, butchering, and medical training can be useful in learning how to use weapons like knives.It is important to remember that even cheap weapons can be effective, and it is humbling to think that we are all just a few stabbings away from saying goodbye.

Learning how to handle conflict is a delicate balance.It's important to be able to recognize when a situation might become dangerous and to be aware of the signals that could be sent in a crowd.It's also important to be able to defend yourself and those you care about, but also to be able to de-escalate a situation if possible.Knowing how to lie and barter, as well as understanding the values and norms of the environment can be key.It's a skill that requires practice, but is important for any situation.

Being aware of your surroundings, who is around you and their potential motivations is key to staying safe in any situation.Predators look for opportunities to target those with low awareness or a weaker position, and can use physical force as well as psychological tactics.It is important to recognize these signs and take action to protect yourself and those around you.Keeping a heightened sense of awareness and being assertive can help you to defend yourself and separate yourself from those who may become easy targets.Knowing the power hierarchy and understanding how to signal your strength can also help you to reduce the potential of becoming a victim.

Learning from life's difficult experiences can be challenging, but can also be advantageous.We can take lessons from those who have gone through environments of desperation and come out of it as strong and experienced individuals.From Coronado to the Portland riots, there will always be situations where we can put ourselves in and learn from.Martial arts such as boxing and jiu-jitsu can be used to gain awareness of our body, distance, angling and more - they provide us with the skills to protect ourselves and escape difficult situations.Knowing the consequences of our actions is also key, as is learning the various techniques and disciplines that are out there.With the right training, we can prepare ourselves to win any situation.

Learning how to protect yourself, your family and your belongings can be a daunting task.In order to stay safe, we must be aware of the risks and how to best handle them.Ed Calderon is a world expert in counter kidnapping and terrorism and teaches courses to help us understand the complexities of violence.He taught his students how to defend themselves without engaging in physical confrontations.Ed Calderon also showed his students how to use social media campaigns to normalize their behavior in public spaces and to be aware of the weaponization of knowledge.Finally, he taught them how to use Kevlar cordage for self-protection in dangerous situations.By taking these precautions, we can all be better equipped to stay safe.

Although abductions can be an unfortunate reality, there is always a way out! People in captivity can free themselves from the restraints, get someone else to take them off, or even die without them.The first option is preferable, and it is possible to train to escape from handcuffs.It requires deconstructing the restraints and understanding the different brands of handcuffs that are in existence.It is also helpful to understand the mindset of criminals in order to prevent them from taking control.Despite the darkness of the subject, it is important to remember that all restraints are temporary, even marriage.

Learning how to escape from handcuffs can be an important survival skill.Handcuff keys are not designed to be used by the person wearing them, so it's important to learn how to modify a key to make it easier to use.You should also learn how to put yourself in a non-compromised position, so you have more space to work with when they are cuffed.It's also important to know what type of restraints are commonly used in different places, as a standard handcuff key might not be helpful in certain areas.Finally, learn how to construct tools to get out of restraints yourself, as this is the best way to ensure you can escape.

Learning from a criminal mindset can be a valuable experience.It can help you understand how to hide and conceal objects, and how to think outside the box.Ed Calderon shared his experience of using a ceramic razor blade and a box cutter as weapons, and how to practice using a razor blade to cut yourself out of rope.He also mentioned the importance of fitting in when going on a mission, which includes imitating the language, appearance, clothes and behavior of the local population.These skills can help build self-confidence and the capability to take responsibility for one's own safety.

Learning how to interact with people in unfamiliar or potentially dangerous environments is valuable.It's important to understand the local customs, including potentially criminal groups and their weapons.Knowing how to handle guns is also important, as is learning how to de-escalate a situation.Having a narrative and being able to stick to it, as well as understanding how to blend in, can also be beneficial.Finally, it is important to be able to show your sincerity and integrity by being a “true believer” and having no hidden agenda.

The Mexican culture is a unique blend of Catholicism and ancient spirituality.This has been passed down since the Spanish Conquest, and can be seen in the imagery of the Virgin of Guadalupe, holding a crystal scepter of baby Jesus, standing on a crescent moon.This cultural heritage is also reflected in the 'narco cults' of modern Mexico, where drug culture and religion intersect.For example, Ed Calderon's mentor showed him that one can present themselves confidently without hiding their flaws, and that it's possible to find success in life without trying too hard.It can also be seen in the way Ed and his 'rodeo clown' enemy have a love-hate relationship, expressing love through anger.This is all a testament to the fact that by being true to yourself, learning from your mistakes and failures, and showing people what you know, you can achieve greatness.

The relationship between Mexico and spiritual practices has been a complex and evolving one.Initially, the Catholic Church tried to suppress some of these practices, but instead chose to meld them with Catholic iconography.For example, the cult of the Mother Goddess was merged with the iconic Virgin of Guadalupe.The legend of Malverde, the bandit who gave his reward money to the townspeople, demonstrates how criminals were often venerated as saints by the local populace.The spiritual practices of cartels also play a role, with icons of power and rebellion.The celebration of death as a joyful occasion is expressed through practices such as Day of the Dead and Santa Muerte.All of these demonstrate how Mexico's culture has been shaped through its spiritual practices.

In Mexico, death is a celebrated part of life.The Santa Martin Reaper is a symbol of death, worn for protection and to instill fear in enemies.It is seen as a way to bring strength and meaning in the face of difficult times.The figure is revered by all levels of society, from tortilla makers to the military.There is a saying of "may I earn your need and be your wrath" that is used to venerate the figure.It is a way to meditate on death, to remember it and to not be afraid.Death is part of life, and Mexicans honor it with the Santa Martin Reaper.

The use of spirituality as a weapon of control is a powerful one, as seen historically in Mexico with Elma Loco and Adolfo Costanzo El Padrino.They used the promise of supernatural protection and invisibility to gain control over their victims, going so far as to request human body parts for their spell work.This has been seen throughout various cultures and continues to be used today, as evidenced by the Chinese production of fentanyl, an opioid that is highly profitable and is leading to thousands of overdose deaths in the US yearly.It is important to remember the dangers of using spirituality for malicious ends and the consequences of such exploitation.

The production of heroin and other opiates is a major issue in the United States.In an effort to combat this, some have turned to fentanyl.Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid with a much higher potency than heroin.It can be cut into or even replace the supply of heroin entirely.This has allowed cartels to transport and sell it more easily, leading to an influx of fentanyl into the United States.The Covid-19 pandemic has only made it easier for these cartels to get their hands on fentanyl from China, despite government oversight.As a result, pill presses are being used to make fake pain medication that is flooding US markets.It is important to understand the dangers of fentanyl and its impacts on our society.

Due to the US's poor foreign policy in Mexico, the country is now trending towards the left of the political spectrum and anti-US sentiment is growing.This has allowed enemies of the US to take advantage and create a militarized Mexico.To further their economic influence, the Chinese have started money laundering and the Mexican president has nationalized mining lithium for leverage.With India and China now doing fentanyl trade with Mexico, there is a chance of a NATO type agreement between them.This is why Mexico is taking control of its own security issues and why US intervention is not wanted.

Mexico has gone through a period of militarization, with the establishment of the National Guard and the training of foreign military forces.This has given the military a full monopoly over all federal policing, as well as control over who gets to have guns in the country.This is a far cry from Mexico's historically neutral stance when it comes to foreign conflicts.Immigration has become a hot-button issue, with an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants in the US and 45 million legal immigrants.It is important to recognize the potential implications of the militarization of Mexico and the potential for a wave of displacement due to violence or conflict.It is our responsibility to work towards change to try and stop such events from occurring.

Illegal immigration is essential for many industries in the US, from farming to the service industry.These immigrants are indispensable, and demonizing them isn't the answer.We need to repair the damage done by bad policies and rhetoric on both sides of the border, and recognize their humanity.We must recognize the interconnections between our societies and work together to find solutions.We are all related, and immigration is a regional problem.

The US is a country of diversity and opportunity.It attracts people from all over the world looking for a better life.Unfortunately, the rhetoric around immigrants is often full of guilt and hate.People call for them to go back to their country, yet they rely on the same people for essential services.We must remember to accept the different subgroups that make up the US, rather than trying to purify it.Despite the broken immigration system and the xenophobia, there is still opportunity for those with nothing to make something of themselves.We must encourage this and recognize the value of diversity in our society.

Two immigrants, Ed and Lex, share their experiences and advice to young people.They talk about the importance of travelling and service to understand people and cultures.Education is valuable, expensive but also available online, and responsibility is a key factor for success.To progress, one should think about helping others, being of service and being useful to the community.Isolationism should be avoided and it is important to be aware that taking risks can lead to growth.

Travelling and learning are two of the most important tools for development.Ed Calderon has taught us a valuable lesson about how to live life - respect is earned, and freedoms come with responsibility.It is important to remember that everyone's opinions matter, and to always remain humble when it comes to understanding the world.Ed also teaches an important lesson about service and connecting with those around us - no one is an enemy, and by doing something for others, we are helping ourselves.Finally, Ed reminds us that life is about experiences and that death is an inevitable end, but to not be afraid of it and to live every moment to its fullest.

No matter how long a journey, it is important to appreciate the end.Just as this conversation has come to a close, our lives too must eventually come to a conclusion.This is the natural cycle of life and it is essential to acknowledge this fact to ensure our spiritual growth.Al Pacino's character in Scarface reminds us that we should not be afraid to take risks and be ambitious.We should not shy away from the challenges we face, and instead be brave enough to reach our goals.Despite the difficulties and hardships we face, we should strive to live a life that we can be proud of.