Inside Colombia’s hidden war, where guerrilla armies, drug cartels, and corrupt officials fuel the world’s cocaine trade. This documentary takes you deep into the jungles, barrios, and killing fields that the media never shows. Former hitmen and cartel soldiers reveal how children are recruited, trained, and turned into killers — and how Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel now bankrolls Colombia’s drug empire. From mass kidnappings and paramilitary takeovers to the corruption that keeps the cocaine flowing, this is the untold story of how modern cartels dominate a billion-dollar global network. This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: Surfshark! Go to https://surfshark.com/connectmitchell or use code CONNECTMITCHELL at checkout to get 4 extra months of Surfshark VPN! CashApp! Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/1ekoiacn CODE: CASHAPP10 #CashAppPod. Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. See terms and conditions at https://cash.app/legal/us/en-us/card-agreement. Direct deposit, overdraft coverage, and promotions provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit http://cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures. PrizePicks! Visit https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/CONNECT and use code CONNECT and get $50 in lineups when you play your first $5 lineup! Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Introduction: The reality of kidnapping and crime 00:26 Overview of the conflict and drug war in Colombia 01:26 Street situation: violence and constant caution 02:00 Growth of the coca industry and the failure of eradication efforts 02:28 Human impact: deaths, violence, and loss 03:02 Who really runs things? The power of the guerrilla groups 03:48 Recent trends: record seizures and the booming business 04:09 Coca production and lack of economic opportunities 04:39 The heart of drug trafficking: Cali and the Valle region 05:25 Social dysfunction: bodies, murders, and the law of crime 06:08 The life of a hitman: testimonies and motivations 07:45 Recruitment, training, and the cycle of violence 10:19 This Episode Is Sponsored By Surfshark! 12:34 Criminal rise and the regional power structure 13:12 The evolution of guerrillas and their narco interests 15:13 The link between drug traffickers, guerrillas, and Mexican cartels 17:22 Forced recruitment and life in the camps 19:43 Tactics, military training, and professionalization 21:29 Violent competition: gangs, jobs, and loyalty 23:07 The kidnapping business: targets, logistics, and victims 25:43 This Episode Is Sponsored By CashApp & PrizePicks! 29:42 Recruitment of minors and threats to families 31:38 Territorial war: attacks and regional domination 32:47 Black Eagles: emerging group and extreme brutality 33:44 Pistol Plan: targeted killings and threats against officials 35:09 Impunity and corruption: the law doesn’t reach the hitmen 36:43 Logistic networks: transport, routes, and body concealment 39:06 Power of the gangs and the fight for territorial control 42:39 Social impact: displacement, armed power, and corruption 46:06 Economic dilemmas: poverty, crops, and dependency 46:48 Final reflection: the cycle of violence and the search for a way out Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices