Ep 2. The Mob: The Mafia Meth King

As the second season of Narco Wars unfolds, the series shines a light on different facets of the drug trade. In episode 2, titled "The Mob: The Mafia Meth King," the focus is on the rise of methamphetamine in the United States and the role that the Italian Mafia played in its proliferation.

The episode begins with a history of the Mafia and its origins in Sicily. The series explains how the Mafia grew in power and influence in the early 20th century, establishing itself in America during the height of Prohibition. The prohibition of alcohol made bootlegging a profitable business, and the Mafia quickly seized the opportunity.

However, as alcohol restrictions were lifted, the Mafia needed to find other sources of revenue. Enter methamphetamine. The episode tracks the rise of meth in the US, highlighting how the drug became a widespread problem in the 1990s. At the time, meth was primarily being produced in small, independent labs.

But as the demand for meth continued to grow, the Mafia saw an opportunity to get in on the action. They started taking over these labs, becoming the main producers and suppliers of methamphetamine in America. This takeover of the meth market was especially lucrative for the Mafia, given that they could produce the drug at a much lower cost than independent labs.

The episode showcases how the Mafia's involvement in meth production affected communities across America. We hear from law enforcement, politicians, and individuals who have been personally impacted by meth. We also meet experts who discuss the devastating effects the drug has on individuals and society as a whole.

One particularly interesting aspect of the episode is the discussion around the Mafia's use of Mexican drug cartels to help distribute their product. We learn how the Mafia created a partnership with these cartels, with the cartels transporting meth and other drugs across the border and the Mafia providing the product.

The episode is filled with fascinating insights into the history of the Mafia and the rise of methamphetamine. It's clear that the Mafia saw meth as a way to make a lot of money, and they didn't care about the damage that their actions caused. As one expert notes, "They have no conscience. They don't care about the people that they hurt."

Overall, "The Mob: The Mafia Meth King" is a thought-provoking episode that shines a light on an important issue. While the Mafia's involvement in meth may not be widely known, the episode shows how it was a major contributor to the drug's proliferation in the US. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the history of the Mafia and the drug trade.