This episode of Borderland Narcosis features former DEA agent Hector Berrellez, who served as the lead investigator on the 1985 murder of Kiki Camarena. Berrellez provides a deep dive into the corruption he encountered during his investigation and his views on the state of the drug war.

Key discussion points include:

• The Kiki Camarena Case: Berrellez explains how he was brought in to lead the investigation after five years of stagnation. He details his controversial but effective tactics, including the extra-territorial rendition (kidnapping) of a doctor involved in Camarena's torture (1:31 - 5:49).
• Alleged CIA Involvement: A major focus of the discussion is Berrellez's claim that the CIA was complicit in drug trafficking through Rancho Vera Cruz to fund the Contras. He alleges that Camarena was interrogated specifically because he was uncovering these operations (6:06 - 10:35).
• Internal Corruption: Berrellez discusses the pushback he received from Washington, including being ordered to stop his investigation into the CIA and ultimately being sidelined (14:08 - 15:35).
• Modern Drug War & Cartels: The conversation covers how cartels have evolved into organizations that operate with the protection of government officials. Berrellez offers his perspective on the current fentanyl crisis, the nature of modern cartels as foreign terrorist organizations, and the persistence of corruption within both Mexican and American administrative structures (23:51 - 35:33).
• The Future of Enforcement: Berrellez shares his skepticism about whether the full truth regarding Camarena's murder will ever be officially acknowledged, noting that the suspects involved in the case have not been tried for that specific crime due to the potential exposure of government secrets (10:35 - 12:37).