Ep 15. Miami Beach: Smugglers & Speedboats

Miami Beach: Smugglers & Speedboats is the fifteenth episode of the fourth season of the true crime documentary series City Confidential. This episode delves into the seedy underworld of Miami's drug trade and the violent conflicts that arise as a result. The episode explores the rise of powerful drug traffickers in Miami in the 1980s and 1990s, and the methods they used to smuggle drugs into the country.

The show begins by introducing viewers to Miami Beach in the 1980s, a city that was booming with wealth and glamour. At the time, Miami Beach was a popular destination for wealthy tourists and retirees, and real estate prices were skyrocketing. However, behind the glitz and glamour lay a dark side to the city, one that was fueled by drug trafficking and violence.

The episode focuses on the story of one particular drug trafficker, who is only identified as "Johnny" due to his cooperation with law enforcement. Johnny was a key player in the Miami drug trade, and his operations involved smuggling large quantities of cocaine into the country via speedboats. As Johnny's power and influence grew, he became involved in violent conflicts with rival drug traffickers, leading to a string of murders and robberies.

The show explores the methods that Johnny and his associates used to smuggle drugs into the country. They would load cocaine onto speedboats in the Caribbean and sail them into Miami, avoiding detection by law enforcement. Once the drugs were unloaded, they would be distributed to buyers all over the country. This method of drug trafficking was extremely lucrative, but also extremely risky, as speedboats were frequently seized and drug traffickers were often targeted by law enforcement.

The episode also delves into the violent conflicts that arose between Johnny and his rivals. These conflicts often involved shootouts in broad daylight on the streets of Miami Beach, and innocent bystanders were frequently caught in the crossfire. The violence reached a peak in the early 1990s, as law enforcement began cracking down on the drug trade in Miami. Johnny and his associates were eventually caught and brought to trial, and many of them received lengthy prison sentences.

Throughout the episode, interviews with law enforcement officials, drug traffickers, and local residents provide insight into the complex web of corruption and violence that characterized the Miami drug trade in the 1980s and 1990s. The show also features footage of Miami Beach during this time period, showcasing the wealth and glamour that attracted both tourists and drug traffickers to the city.

City Confidential: Miami Beach - Smugglers & Speedboats is a fascinating and insightful look into the dark side of Miami's past. It provides a detailed and compelling account of the rise of the city's drug trade, and the violent conflicts that arose as a result. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in true crime or the history of Miami Beach.