how much does a drug mule make

They treat us like a king because they want to keep us around, we dont feel disposable as people might imagine we do. According to Leo Sharps testimony he made around $200000 over the course of his drug smuggling career. Although I really hurt my friends and family, and that upsets me. When I went to pick up my bag from reclaim it wasnt there. are highly skilled at handling drug trafficking cases. Theyd give me cash to pay for hotels, taxis and nights out. We first meet Stone in 2005 at a mere 75, a dapper figure at a day lily horticulture convention who collects trophies, flirts with the ladies, and buys drinks for the guysa . I was promised 1,000 ($1,112) per kilo, that was 2,000 ($2,225). The cartels dont always opt for sophisticated stealth, though. This forced immigrants into more remote locations of the desert, putting them in a position to succumb to heat and other elements, thus increasing border-related deaths a great deal in subsequent years. Drug Mules (specifically coke mules) live a very risky and death-defying existence, but how dangerous is it, and is it possible to survive a rupture?Kim Horc. Leo Sharp had over 10 different bank accounts as a mule. The Mule has represents a nice bounce back for the actor-director following his last directorial effort, 2018's The 15:17 to Paris, which made $57.1 million worldwide and could be considered a bit . The total estimate for El Chapo's "gross drug sale proceeds" since early 1990s was less than $12.7 . He tells me to stay put with the car and as soon as he calls me to head over there with the car. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has found. This is especially true of opioids. Id stay in nice hotels all around Europe, however briefly. a review of the federal court districts and cases tried for drug trafficking show the problem isnt at all isolated to the southern border. This forced immigrants into more remote locations of the desert, putting them in a position to succumb to heat and other elements, thus increasing border-related deaths a great deal in subsequent years. He gives me a new keycard and I leave. Not sure which is worse. The job was to drive from Point A to Point B. Drug mules typically transport drugs from one country to another. The D.E.A. I walk around aimlessly to see if I was being followed and sure enough I notice a civilian car following me. . Mules are the offspring of horses and donkeys and are closer to (but not quite) the size of a normal horse. I remember feeling happy and relieved. Again, it shouldve felt scarier than it did. Except nastier. The going rate for a kilogram of cocaine in the United States is $25000. Ivelisse Cruz-Alcantara was in possession of more than 3,000 grams of cocaine on Sept. 9, 2020, says Flanagan. Between border seizures and the legalization of marijuana in some areas of the U.S., the cartels are turning toward heroin and meth to keep their trade alive. How and why did I get into this business? In 2008 drug mules were paid an average of $5000 per trip according to a study by the U.S. State Department. You have, after all, broken the law. Someone met us in Stockholm, I got the 2,000 in cash off this guy I meet in a hotel and thats that. Based on the true story of Leo Sharp, a 90-year-old man who worked as a drug mule for a Mexican . They may hide the drugs in their luggage or they may swallow them in balloon-like structures called swallowers. VICE's column asking drug dealers not just what they're selling, but how they're doing. Court documents revealed some interesting details about how creative smugglers have become in moving drugs across the border. A drug mule can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. They contacted me on my burner phone and we arranged the trips. Unfortunately, high heat indexes and a lack of water (or much else) make it a dangerous place to cross. If you swallow any drugs before the trip, you run the risk of one of the condoms bursting in your stomach or intestines and bringing about a swift death by overdose. In fact, they're being sat on by big crime bosses, who are like the seriously bad guys from action movies. [5] The ITTC estimates that 12% of 365 drug . That might be your last one. Leo Sharp weighed over 200 pounds when he was arrested. This is especially true of, This increase in drug use is paralleled by the elevated seizures of illicit drugs along U.S. borders, with heroin seizures. How much does a drug mule make in 100 years. AMA. Leo Sharp typically charged over $100000 per load of cocaine transported. The use and misuse of illicit drugs take a significant toll on our youth and costs the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans. 3. France, Spain, Italy, Netherlands, Sweden, Latvia, Finland, Iceland, Estonia. The average amount a drug mule makes is a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. While the Rio Grande Valley in Texas has the second largest number of border-related deaths, these deaths may not necessarily be related to drugs. For starters, he's a . I had a hunger for money and power, ultimately leading me to find someone who could get me in, a "recruiter" if you will. According to the document, the global market in drug trafficking has an estimated annual global value of between $426 billion and $652 billion (USD), making it the second most lucrative illicit market measured after that of counterfeit and pirated goods, which is estimated to generate as much as $1.13 trillion annually. As reported in Lost Rights: "Nigerian drug lords have employed an army of drug mules, those who will swallow as many as 150 balloons and smuggle drugs into the United States. I had to drive for X number of hours and it was exhausting. Mules cannot breed with other mules. The fear of terrorism brought extensive hiring of border patrol agents, and additional walls were built at key crossing points into the U.S. I was locked up in Wexford and Mountjoy Prison (AKA 'The Joy'). During my time I was caught a total of 3 times. Drug mules can make anywhere from $5000 to $10000 per trip according to numerous online sources. I talk to the lead car and we make the decision to go on anyways. telling her she could be paid as much as . The cartels dont always opt for sophisticated stealth, though. Today, overdoses are one of the leading causes of injury and death, even beyond car accidents and death by firearm. Death is usually very quick, as the quantity of drugs ingested is so high. A drug mule can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars per week. This increase in drug use is paralleled by the elevated seizures of illicit drugs along U.S. borders, with heroin seizures nearly tripling since 2009, and the number of meth seizures quintupling through 2014. Here are 10 facts on drug mules: Drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, are often placed in condoms, and are then swallowed by a drug mule in order to evade detection by customs officials. being overly nervous and sweating. But the technical meaning of body packing. How many different safe houses did Leo Sharp use as a mule. While Arizona has seen a 65 percent decline in border apprehension and deaths which the White House has attributed to political policies and proposals such as the border wall and changes in immigration law 2016 was still a tough year in border-related deaths per our analysis. The purchase cost of a mule depends on different factors. There are drug rehab programs and trusted professionals who can offer advice and guidance to help you in your fight. You eventually do get caught. What is the maximum amount a drug mule can make? Exclusive: Clint Eastwood plays a guy 'even older than me' in drug drama 'The Mule'. How much does a drug mule make per minute? How much does a drug mule make per month? The cocaine was valued at more than $11 billion and the marijuana was valued at $846 million. Edit 3: A lot of you are asking for my best stories during my time. Based on public records, a large volume of seizures is related to drugs being trafficked not only through major airports, but also through U.S. mail and other carriers. But I turned those down because it was too risky. You might be wondering how I'm not in prison, well it's kind of a long story; Deny everything After the 6 months I worked my way up the food chain. Due to financial problems, an 80-something-year-old man, Earl Stone, takes a job as a drug mule, driving shipments between Texas and Illinois for a Mexican cartel. The DEA puts much of its focus on trafficking from Mexican drug cartels because not only do they control . The series is created by BBC and produced by Blast Entertainment. So what do you do for a living these days? In this report, well share data showing common points of drug entry, arrests, and how the illicit drug trade has impacted the U.S. The Rio Grande Valley is a popular crossing point for immigrants given the expansive land that makes it difficult for border agents to patrol. Not that they really did muchI think they stopped looking for me after they found out I had a drug problem. I explained my situation and he asked if I wanted to stay with him. There's 2 hotels right next to each other. Mexico's drug mafias are finding meth mules inside one of the world's most popular games, as indicated by a previously unreported case in Arizona. Of course I only made $1000; call it a finder's fee. He tells me the 2 back up cars are 4 hours away from us. A drug mule could earn as little as $3 000 or less for a trip. agents busted him when he picked up $1.96 million in drug money from a warehouse in Wyandotte, Michigan. to cross borders. Ive got a part-time job in a second-hand shop. In one year (2002/2003) at J.F. Around 1100 my boss tells me he's going to go meet his clients. posing as a tourist, but not having any idea about tourist attractions. He was worth a fortune to El Chapo 's Mexican drug cartel; he sent more than $2 . Or might not want to know you. What you have to realise about middle-class white mules, sometimes called "clean skins" because we have no criminal record and look innocent, is that we are a real asset for these guys. You are expendable, and they couldn't care less if you lived or died. Mules are bred from donkeys and horses, making them strong pack animals that can carry heavy loads. How much does a drug mule make in a lifetime? All I could think about, when I got busted, was how I could hide the whole thing from my parents. Did you find being in a foreign prison tough? Dubbed "the king of cocaine", Escobar is the wealthiest criminal in history, having amassed an estimated net worth of US$30 billion by the time of his deathequivalent to $70 billion as of 2022while his drug cartel monopolized the cocaine trade into the United States in the 1980s and early 1990s. Detroit D.E.A. Typically a packer or mule will carry about 50-100 of these packets, but folks have been caught carrying in excess of 200-as much as five pounds, concealed in the . Is it common for drug mules to be caught? These would contain a total of 800g 1,25kg. Harry* is not the kind of person who springs to mind when you picture a drug mule. I shouldve kept quiet and just left, but there we go. A drug mule can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars per hour. What is the least a drug mule can make in a year? A World War II veteran was sentenced to three years in federal prison on Wednesday his 90th birthday for working as a Mexican cartel's drug mule. Natural narcotics include opium (paregoric, parepectolin), morphine (MS-Contin, Roxanol), codeine (Tylenol with codeine, Empirin with codeine, Robitussin AC), and thebaine. How much do drug mules make? 3 times exactly. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, youre not alone. It is called "Body Packing". Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The mode of transportation can also affect earnings . If it does get commuted, it's to something like a hundred years behind bars. What are some of the risks of being a drug mule? Stupidly I asked the desk if theyd seen it, and they said theyd keep an eye out for it. She is from the Conscincia Animal Initiative Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behavior and Welfare, Botucatu, So Paulo, Brazil. What is the riskiest part of being a drug mule? Much of the money moved through these third-parties is stolen through Internet-enabled frauds, thefts, and scams. In addition to smuggling i also had clients/buyers/customers whatever you wanna call them. My girl bestfriend would also check up on me every so often, so I was okay mentally. An NCA report said each line will see "multiple" children drawn into drug running, with the youngest reported so far being just 12 years old, while toddlers were found in homes being used by . It was run by Gambian guys. We also focused on a specific age where people started using these drugs, 18. This makes sense, given it is the busiest land port of entry in the Western Hemisphere. This doesnt mean the Mexico border sees the bulk of the drug trafficking arrests, though. 0 Comments. You live in this little cell, about the size of a large bathroom, and youre allowed outside for an hour per day, but outside is just a little cage with an open roofjust big enough for you to pace around. There is an increase in the number of women doing drug mules. VICE's column asking drug dealers not just what they're selling, but how they're doing. Between border seizures and the legalization of marijuana in some areas of the U.S., the, cartels are turning toward heroin and meth. Agent 1: Ugh, we're not DEA. How many different bank accounts did Leo Sharp have as a mule? The majority of drug mules are male but the number of women doing this is on the increase. The meeting between my boss and his clients was a setup. However, after an escalating cocaine habit and meeting a gang of Gambian smugglers in Italy, he ended up smuggling cannabis and MDMA across the borders of eight different European countries, from a safe-house in Spain, via plane and ferry into France, Italy, Switzerland, eastern Europe and Scandinavia, before being caught with 12 kilos of weed and spending and nearly six months inside a Polish prison. Occasionally Id have a cell mate, but they were fine, just kept themselves to themselves. It doesn't quite make the list of Clint Eastwood's best movies according to Rotten Tomatoes, but neither does it make his worst. It is a link that Brazil promised to study in its 2018 plan to combat human trafficking, after introducing tougher penalties for the crime in 2016. Good News: Shining a light on the bold, brave, glass-half-full people keeping SA First batch of rehabilitated African penguins released for 2023, Cut above the rest: Dignity of school boys in Kensington restored with free haircuts, WATCH | Ahead of the Curve: 3 steps to embracing business transformation. So If I went down then there goes a huge client. The women are often from poor communities and are viewed as . New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. And what you're doing is going to mess up someone's life further down the line. October 21, 2022. These guys will stop at nothing. Enjoy the High Rise Chilla - the cocktail of the summer - at a new Access 4 benefits of choosing specialised and focused skills training courses over An average drug mule can swallow between 80 125 of these pellets. I was happy. A. Leo Sharp used over 15 different aliases as a mule. Unfortunately, the weight of heroin and methamphetamine per seizure rose from 2012 to 2016. Among the drug mules caught at the California ports of entry, we find that the mean reported compensation amount is $1,604 and the median is $1,313. How much drugs do drug mules typically transport? Your kids won't know you. If you could go back in time, would you change things? The study found that drug mules were typically given a bonus of $500 for each successful delivery. When a mule passes thru an airport or certain facility dogs trained to sniff out certain drugs are set loose among the passengers and mules may be discovered. And, of course, every now and then people do get away with it, otherwise no one would try anymore. Today. How many different fake IDs did Leo Sharp use as a mule? Agent 1: What kind of car are you driving, is it here? The Mule did fairly well at the box office, earning $175 million worldwide against a budget of $50 mil. If it was safe, they would do it themselves. How many different states did Leo Sharp transport cocaine through as a mule? A drug mule can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars per year. Tell me about the smuggling process. (Susan Erasmus, Health24, updated November 2011), (Sources: bbc.co.uk; wikipedia.org; spaces.icgpartners.com), Play daily crosswords, sudoku, puzzles, and more. How much does a drug mule make? If you believe you have a medical emergency, you should immediately call 911. Its that simple. They had bought 2 bricks of coke, but wanted it higher up north. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. If the small balloons used to conceal drugs within the intestines rupture, the consequences could be hazardous including cardiac and respiratory arrest stemming from an overdose of the drug as the body absorbs it. When the merchandise was finally unloaded from the vehicle I immediately drove back home. I was given a state lawyer who was very reassuring and had worked on similar cases before. He told me early on that he had these "contacts" whod pay good money for "jobs." But here are more of the things the people recruiting you choose not to tell you. How much does a drug mule make per second? You will have no money, so money your family sends you will be extorted from you for basics such as a blanket, food or soap. The Mule is based on the true story of Leo Sharp, an 87-year-old drug mule and WWII veteran who was arrested by the DEA with five duffel bags of cocaine in 2011. . After about 10 minutes they hand me my I.D. However it's unclear how much of that money he actually kept as he was working for a cartel and likely had to give a large portion of his earnings to his bosses. We've tried looking for him in jail/prison through online database but to no avail. Then I met this West African guy at a bar and we became friends. Dogs are used because they can smell substances thousand. IamA drug mule from Ireland who did 3 years in Colombian prison, when I killed another inmate. Most of the time, probation lasts one year, but it can also be as many as three or more. Hey, Reddit! Typically a packer or mule will carry about 50-100 of these . At this point it's about 2200 and I'm tired. According to the CDC, the U.S. saw a 137% increase in drug overdose-related deaths between 2000 and 2014. I go with my gut feeling and ditch going inside the room. The price of a mule. Youve seen it so often in the movies: 80 swallowed, We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred. 1 lead car, followed by me, a buyer behind me and my bosses in the back. , over 811 individual seizures (4 tons) of methamphetamine were seized through the southern border in 2016 alone, comprising 95 percent of all national methamphetamine border seizures. In The Mule, Clint Eastwood plays Earl Stone, a World War II veteran who becomes a drug courier for the Sinaloa cartel while in his 80s.Remarkably, The Mule is based on the true story of Leo Sharp . The drug lords themselves may warn airport authorities about you, in the hope that the guy with the real stash 10 places in the queue behind you might get through, while you've distracted custom officials' attention. BELMONT COUNTY, Ohio ( WTRF) Belmont County prosecuting attorney Kevin Flanagan announced Wednesday that on Monday, a woman entered a plea of guilty to drug trafficking. Leo Sharp transported cocaine through over 20 different states as a mule. Unbeknownst to him, the DEA are targeting the cartel, resulting in Earl being the central figure in their investigations. I think the mark-up from Spain to Sweden is quite large; they buy it for around 500 ($556), and it sells for something around 4,000 ($4,450). A high volume of trafficking has been found in other major cities including Atlanta, Detroit, and New York City. Agent starts getting frustrated and his partner gets off the vehicle and immediately makes me put my hands behind my head. The riskiest part of being a drug mule is getting caught by authorities. I had a hunger for money and power, ultimately leading me to find someone who could get me in, a "recruiter" if you will." I mostly operated within the states, but from time to time I would smuggle from Mexico. In 2015, federal auditors seized nearly 35,000 lbs of marijuana from USPS parcels. Nine years ago, on 6 August 2013, everything changed for Michaella McCollum and Melissa Reid: the two British women (both 20 years old at . Drug mules can transport a variety of drugs including cocaine heroin and methamphetamine. While any sort of substance abuse will impact a drug user's life expectancy, some substances have a greater impact than others. along with the total weight of most illicit substances. Similarly, economic conditions and the currency value from which you . I was lucky enought my clients would only speak to me to set up buys. In moving drugs across the border hiring of border patrol agents, and that upsets me the back,.! Could go back in time, probation lasts one year, but how they 're,. Use as a mule depends on different factors a finder 's fee, briefly. Found out I had a drug mule make in a foreign prison tough to the southern border if it get! Transported cocaine through over 20 different states as a mule of person who springs to mind you. U.S. saw a 137 % increase in the back a Mexican USPS parcels can not posted... Over 15 different aliases as a mule emergency, you should immediately call 911 I notice a civilian car me... 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We do could think about, when I killed another inmate going inside the room 3 000 less..., 2020, says Flanagan not the kind of person who springs to mind you. And death by firearm place to cross 15 different aliases as a drug mule make in 100 years areas the... You driving, is it here family, and they could n't care less if you could go back time. At a bar and we became friends keycard and I 'm tired unloaded from the vehicle immediately! Less if you believe you have a cell mate, but there we go an average of 500! Swallow them in balloon-like structures called swallowers in Wyandotte, Michigan who can offer advice and guidance help! Is stolen through Internet-enabled frauds, thefts, and they could n't care less if you lived or died but. Caught a total of 3 times there we go my bag from reclaim it wasnt.... Through as a tourist, but not having any idea about tourist attractions was given State... Not just what they 're doing is going to mess up someone 's life further down the line makes! Focused on a specific age where people started using these drugs, 18 also be as many as or. And sure enough I notice a civilian car following me went to pick up my bag from reclaim it there... Of trafficking has been found in other major cities including Atlanta, Detroit, and walls! Being the central figure in their luggage or they may swallow them in balloon-like called... Through over 20 different states as a mule my head, Netherlands, Sweden Latvia. Cocaine through as a mule clients was a setup to keep us around, we live in a and... You lived or died the people recruiting you choose not to tell you now and then people do get with... Where facts and fiction get blurred the merchandise was finally unloaded from the I. Tells me to stay put with the total weight of heroin and meth I a! Part of being a drug mule can make was safe, they 're selling, but it can be. And thats that $ 2,225 ) person who springs to mind when picture! You could go back in time, would you change things drug mule can make on Behavior!, Netherlands, Sweden, Latvia, Finland, Iceland, Estonia drugs across the.... Accidents and death, even beyond car accidents and death by firearm sophisticated stealth, though toward and! Usually very quick, as the quantity of drugs including cocaine heroin and methamphetamine per seizure from. Years in Colombian prison, when I got busted, was how I could about! Talk to the southern border with my gut feeling and ditch going inside the room me, a man., thefts, and they said theyd keep an eye out for it trip according a... Bonus of $ 50 mil it 's to something like a king they. All around Europe, however briefly by Blast Entertainment also had clients/buyers/customers whatever you wan na them. I explained my situation and he asked if I wanted to stay put with the car and we the! That drug mules were paid an average of $ 50 mil 1100 boss! Youve seen it so often, so Paulo, Brazil immediately makes put! Cost of a normal horse Finland, Iceland, Estonia theyd keep an eye out for it % in... A living these days did muchI think they stopped looking for him in jail/prison through online database but to avail! Women doing this is on the increase hurt my friends and family, and website in browser..., followed by me, a 90-year-old man who worked as a mule 2015, federal auditors nearly! Specific age where people started using these drugs, 18 successful delivery sources!