Episode 80: The Enigma That is Juan Ramon Matta Ballesteros (Part 1)

Cartels, Conspiracies, and Camarena

Juan Ramon Matta Ballesteros played a pivotal role in the expansion of drug trafficking from Colombia to Mexico and to the United States in the 1970s and 1980s. Moreover, many allege he and his company were significant actors in the U.S.'s proxy war in support of the Contras seeking to overthrow Nicaragua's Sandinista government. Matta also may have been involved in the kidnapping and murder of DEA Agent Kiki Camarena.

In this Episode, the first of two, we look at Matta's upbringing and his introduction to crime. We also investigate Matta's deep connection to the Honduran military and its role in Matta's rise to being a prolific trafficker. Finally, the Episode discusses Matta's capture in Apil 1988, his transportation to the United States, and the criminal proceedings against him.