Ep 1. Cocaine

The Business of Drugs is a documentary that explores the complex world of illegal drugs - from production and distribution to the billions of dollars made by the industry. The first episode of the series is called Cocaine, and it takes a deep dive into the history of the drug and how it became one of the most profitable illicit substances in the world.

The episode begins with a brief overview of the impact of cocaine on society, including the devastating health effects and the social and economic consequences of drug addiction. However, the show quickly transitions to examining the business side of the drug, starting with the production process in countries like Colombia and Peru.

The Business of Drugs takes viewers on a journey through the production and distribution process of cocaine, from the farmers who cultivate the coca plant to the drug cartels that control the entire industry. Viewers learn about the various stages of production and the role that different players play in the supply chain, including the drug mules who transport cocaine across borders and the high-level dealers who sell it to consumers.

The show explores the money trail of cocaine, revealing how much money is made at each stage of the production and distribution process. Viewers are introduced to Pablo Escobar, one of the world's most notorious drug lords, who made his fortune by controlling the cocaine industry in Colombia. The episode explores how drug cartels use violence and intimidation to maintain their hold on the market and protect their profits.

However, The Business of Drugs doesn't just focus on the criminal organizations involved in the cocaine trade. The show also sheds light on the legal side of the business, including pharmaceutical companies that use cocaine for medicinal purposes and the governments and law enforcement agencies that are trying to combat drug trafficking.

Throughout the episode, experts weigh in on the various aspects of the cocaine trade, offering insights into the global impact of the drug and potential solutions for reducing addiction and violence. The Business of Drugs reveals the many faces of the cocaine industry, from the farmers who grow coca leaves to the drug kingpins who control vast swaths of the illicit drug market.

Ultimately, the first episode of The Business of Drugs provides a comprehensive overview of the cocaine industry and the complex web of players and interests involved in it. It explores the history and impact of the drug while shedding light on the business side of the industry, revealing the ways in which drug trafficking impacts economies, societies, and individual lives around the world. Overall, the episode offers a compelling introduction to the series and sets the stage for what promises to be an eye-opening exploration of the business of illegal drugs.