Cowboy Cartels and Drug-War Inanity: The Future of Freedom

If you’ve already binged on popular drug-war series like Narcos and La Reina del Sur, you might be wondering if there’s anything new out there that’s worth watching. Let me introduce you to “Cowboy Cartel,” a documentary on Apple TV+ that takes a deep dive into the drug trade focusing on my hometown of Laredo, Texas.

The series follows FBI agent Scott Lawson as he unravels a money-laundering operation involving quarter horses run by the notorious Zetas cartel. The investigation spans 3 1/2 years and results in several convictions, including a 20-year prison sentence for one of the cartel’s leaders. By the end of the series, Lawson and his team are celebrating what they see as a major victory in the war on drugs.

However, as someone who has experienced firsthand the impact of the drug war, I can’t help but feel a sense of deja vu. Back in the 1970s when I first started practicing law in Laredo, I defended a man accused of drug-related charges in federal court. Despite the best efforts of the DEA agents involved, the jury returned a not guilty verdict, highlighting the futility of the war on drugs.

What sets “Cowboy Cartel” apart is its depiction of the ongoing cycle of violence and corruption fueled by drug laws. While law enforcement officials like Lawson are dedicated to their mission, they fail to see that their efforts only perpetuate the very issues they’re trying to combat. The series serves as a stark reminder of the complexities and ineffectiveness of the war on drugs.

One intriguing element of “Cowboy Cartel” is its reference to real-life events, such as the murder of ICE agent Jaime Zapata by the Zetas. This echoes similar incidents from the 1980s when DEA agent Kiki Camarena was killed by the Guadalajara Cartel, highlighting the recurring nature of drug-related violence and its consequences.

Ultimately, while shows like “Cowboy Cartel” shed light on the gritty realities of the drug trade, they also raise questions about the efficacy of current drug policies. As we witness history repeating itself, it becomes clear that a new approach may be needed to address the complex issues surrounding drugs and crime. So, if you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking series that challenges your views on the war on drugs, “Cowboy Cartel” might just be worth a watch.