Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24. How much do drug mules typically earn? The fear of terrorism brought extensive hiring of border patrol agents, and additional walls were built at key crossing points into the U.S. Well Im off drugs now, which is good. So how did you eventually get caught? They say they're going to see if I had any warrants. Ivelisse Cruz-Alcantara was in possession of more than 3,000 grams of cocaine on Sept. 9, 2020, says Flanagan. Recent Statistics on Drug Trafficking. But the seed for Clint Eastwood's "The Mule," which opens Friday, was planted by the infamous Michigan bust of an elderly drug mule for a cocaine pipeline between Mexico and Detroit. These would contain a total of 800g 1,25kg. In The Mule, Eastwood's Stone is also a war veteran-turned-horticulturist who turned to drug-running after his business went south, but rather than having fought during World War II, the character is supposed to be a Korean War vet.Interestingly, though, Stone makes several remarks about Nazis, particularly to Serricchio's character. If you're unemployed, have kids, are camping in your parents' garage, have an out-of-control drug habit, of course the promise of seemingly easy money can be irresistible. Leo Sharp typically transported over 100 pounds of cocaine per load. 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. to distract and mislead border patrol to get larger shipments of drugs smuggled across the border. More than 2,000 pounds - 5 to 99 years jail time. Even if it is your boyfriend. Mr. Day Lily. Those packets are: 4x3x2 cm. People attempt to cross the border from Mexico for a number of reasons with the vast majority seeking asylum, though some are involved (voluntarily or through coercion) in the trafficking of drugs. Someone met us in Stockholm, I got the 2,000 in cash off this guy I meet in a hotel and thats that. In 2015, federal auditors seized, nearly 35,000 lbs of marijuana from USPS parcels, While the data show states along the southern border see the highest volume of drug trafficking-related cases . The Mule did fairly well at the box office, earning $175 million worldwide against a budget of $50 mil. Any lawyers who offer help want huge amounts of money. Drug mules typically transport cocaine heroin or methamphetamine. You could die. Rating: 2 out of 5 . However, the same court documents we researched showed that some smugglers create false or hidden compartments to conceal drugs. Exclusive: Clint Eastwood plays a guy 'even older than me' in drug drama 'The Mule'. I was addicted to heroin in the 80s. Entrapment. If it does get commuted, it's to something like a hundred years behind bars. 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. The biggest business, economic and market news of the day, by Fin24 deputy editor, Ahmed Areff. You may be able to get a rather cheap . The purchase cost of a mule depends on different factors. You might be used as a decoy. My recruiter called me once and hour to check up on my well being. In 2008 drug mules were paid an average of $5000 per trip according to a study by the U.S. State Department. We've tried looking for him in jail/prison through online database but to no avail. The Rio Grande Valley is a popular crossing point for immigrants given the expansive land that makes it difficult for border agents to patrol. One of my clients joins me and we start talking about business. With many publications on Mule to her name, Caroline has distinguished herself as a fountain of knowledge from which many draw from. How much money can a drug mule make in total? Michaella, 28, and Melissa were arrested in 2013 for attempting to smuggle 1.5 million worth of cocaine out of Jorge Chvez International Airport in Lima, Peru. 2 to 4 ounces - 1-year jail time. An average drug mule can swallow between 80 - 125 of these pellets. The purchasing price of a mule ranges from under $1,000 to somewhere around $8,000; however, most mules are sold between $1,000 and $3,000. Sure enough she wasn't doing so good. I talk to the lead car and we make the decision to go on anyways. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, youre not alone. The science of drug muling. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. Getting addicts the help they need can put a dent into the system that causes so much suffering or at least remove that individual from the deadly chain. My buyer wanted me to stay at the same hotel as him, I think it was a "let's have each other's back" type play. According to Leo Sharps testimony he made around $200000 over the course of his drug smuggling career. Youve seen it so often in the movies: 80 swallowed, We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred. was hospitalized after one capsule of cocaine (of more than 100) ruptured in her stomach. It happened at Warsaw airport. Prison itself is just extremely monotonous. Under 2ounce is a Class B crime - 180 days in country jail. I am not nave enough not to be aware to what extreme measures desperation can drive us. The price of a mule. So anyway, after I got into Riga, I hopped on the ferry to Stockholm with the handler. Invest in the future today. While the data show states along the southern border see the highest volume of drug trafficking-related cases with Arizona, New Mexico, and California seeing the most incidents a review of the federal court districts and cases tried for drug trafficking show the problem isnt at all isolated to the southern border. She became famous as a drug mule with a memorable hairstyle - but what has Michaella McCollum learned from being jailed for attempted cocaine smuggling in 2013? Drug lords, who commission the mules, can sometimes make 100 times more than that when selling the drugs brought in by the mules. Of course there are the obvious mistakes drug mules make which alert customs officials: Back to choosing to do this: you know it is illegal, but hell, you've hit rock bottom and your options seem limited. Hey, Reddit! They ended up towing the car. I walk upstairs to my room and I look around. In 2011, Leo . He was arrested once, as a juvenile, but said . 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. r/IAmA 5 yr. ago. Harry* is not the kind of person who springs to mind when you picture a drug mule. How much was Pablo Escobar worth? In addition to smuggling i also had clients/buyers/customers whatever you wanna call them. She is from the Conscincia Animal Initiative Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behavior and Welfare, Botucatu, So Paulo, Brazil. Nobody will come forward to help you. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has found sophisticated tunnel networks that stretch between Mexico and Southern states like California. Drug mules typically transport drugs from one country to another. How many loads of cocaine did Leo Sharp transport as a mule? This has led to an increase in the utilization of people as drug mules, which includes the dangerous act of swallowing packages filled with drugs (body packers), along with using traditional travel means (boats, airplanes, etc.) . Visit Detox.net today for more information. I have no idea exactly how exactly. It all seemed way too easy. Seven or eight times, over a six month period. Mule. Drug trafficking and human trafficking are also common sources of the money. It depends on the demand for the drugs and the route taken. My very first sale, I sold 50k of product, simply by introducing the two parties. 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. SA prisons are like 5-star luxury hotels in comparison to what you would find in countries such as Venezuala, Mauritius and Thailand. A. I wasn't scared or nervous, I'm not really sure what I felt. This is all to keep the dogs off track. How much were you being paid? I was locked up in Wexford and Mountjoy Prison (AKA 'The Joy'). I had to drive for X number of hours and it was exhausting. Additional data, including information pulled from court documents, show cartels continue to use, Arizona remains one of the states with the heaviest incidents of drug trafficking despite the fact that, the U.S. Department of Justice identified the state as a high intensity drug trafficking area. I turned in the car and got paid. According to the U.S. Border Patrol, 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 . 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 , One key point of consideration is the spike in deaths seen after 2001 relating to the terror attacks on 9/11. When I got out at the airport that first time at Riga in Estonia, I was met by my handler. This could indicate smugglers and cartels are attempting to move smaller amounts in the hopes of going undetected. She is from the Conscincia Animal Initiative Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behavior and Welfare, Botucatu, So Paulo, Brazil. The women are often from poor communities and are viewed as . Prices change depending upon the area and quality. In one recent case, a child as young as 11 was hospitalized after one capsule of cocaine (of more than 100) ruptured in her stomach. There was no moment of oh my god Im crossing the scanner or any of that. If you believe you have a medical emergency, you should immediately call 911. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. Well the job wasnt in Rome, it was in Spain, and consisted of taking 2kg of cannabis from Spain to Sweden, via Latvia. Was it always marijuana? Nicolas Cristin, the Dark Web does anywhere between $300,00 and $500,000 in sales per day. 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. Journalism strengthens democracy. After about 10 minutes they hand me my I.D. Of these, 38 were female and 107 were male. The DEA never went after me again after this ordeal. A drug mule can make less than $3 000 for a trip. A high volume of trafficking has been found in other major cities including Atlanta, Detroit, and New York City. Answer (1 of 2): THERE ARE A FEW WAYS MULES ARE DETECTED * DRUG DETECTION DOGS. Despite a continued effort among many nations to crack down on drug trafficking, the misuse of illicit drugs continues at an alarming rate. The price is usually determined by how often the mule has won competitions, how often it appears in shows, how old it is, and how trained it is. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There are significant risks to heroin use, and continued drug trafficking into the U.S. has led to a growing number of overdoses among American citizens even children. She is from the Conscincia Animal Initiative Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behavior and Welfare, Botucatu, So Paulo, Brazil. He had been on disability and had four heart attacks. Around 1100 my boss tells me he's going to go meet his clients. The risk involved in the job is also a major factor in earnings. Forget privileges like phone calls or visits. In any case, it's crucial that you work with an experienced defense attorney to fight your charges. How much does a drug mule make in 100 years. Mums first reaction was just that she was glad I was alive, she had no idea where Id got to. How much do drug mules make? A drug mule can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars per week. Instead of being the mule, my unofficial job was to recruit mules. *Names have been changed to protect identity. Drug mules are typically caught by law enforcement at airports or other border crossings. And also, the most important thing to remember is many countries impose the death penalty for drug mules. The DEA agent was wearing a kevlar vest with DEA in gold on the back of it. I'll get to you eventually. In times of uncertainty you need journalism you can trust. Unfortunately, high heat indexes and a lack of water (or much else) make it a dangerous place to cross. . Invest in the future today. I was thinking, maybe if I got back in a couple of weeks or a month theyd never know I was gone. Ever. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. You're asking why the cartel would allow a mule to explain himself, well that's because I wasn't your average mule. I was doing over two grams per day. You most probably don't even know the real name of the person with whom you have to do the drop. The cocaine was valued at more than $11 billion and the marijuana was valued at $846 million. A. There is an increase in the number of women doing drug mules. . If you are thinking about buying a mule then you should know that its price starts at around $1,000 and can go up to $8,500. All JSE data delayed by at least 15 minutes, Blue the seal returns to the ocean after week of recovery. You might never see your kids again, or your siblings, or your parents. Some of the most common places included drugs being hidden in the gas tank and inside the seats of the vehicle. How much did Leo Sharp typically charge per load of cocaine transported? The pair were caught with 1.5m of cocaine after becoming drug mules for a cartel. Government officials say the majority of drug mules are Mexican, but experts say there are plenty of U.S. citizens involved, too. Unbeknownst to him, the DEA are targeting the cartel, resulting in Earl being the central figure in their investigations. Today, overdoses are one of the leading causes of injury and death, even beyond car accidents and death by firearm. Life is cheap to drug traffickers. The DEA thought he would have the coke in his car and moved in, once they realized he didn't have the coke they scrambled back to the hotel to try and salvage their operation. , even beyond car accidents and death by firearm. You just check in your suitcase with the drugs in it and get on the flight. A drug mule can make a lot of money depending on the amount of drugs they are transporting and the price of the drugs. The lead car was purposely speeding in case there was any cops, they'd pull him over and not me. The Netflix series doesn't get much closer to an articulate explanation for her motivations, other than suggesting that she became a drug mule the same way a person falls in love, falls asleep . 0 Comments. The chances of the SA embassy getting involved are slim. Apart from imprisonment, the biggest danger . However, if trends continue, we may see more of a decline in border-related deaths. Wikimedia Commons Leo Sharp poses for a mugshot following his arrest for drug trafficking charges in 2011. 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. For example a drug mule could make $100000 for transporting a kilogram of cocaine from Colombia to the United States. How much does a drug mule make in a lifetime? These clients of mine were powerful people who would buy a lot, frequently. Nevertheless its safe to say that Sharp made a significant amount of money from his illegal activity. . This doesnt mean the Mexico border sees the bulk of the drug trafficking arrests, though. By Jennifer Savin. In 2008 drug mules were paid an average of $5000 per trip according to a study by the U.S. State Department. A drug mule is someone who smuggles drugs on their person or in their luggage across borders. So basically you might want to reconsider going on a quick trip to Indonesia for three days to deliver a hold-all to your friend's brother's cousin outside the Metropole Hotel. Each of us can be an agent of change in preventing drug-related deaths. A drug mule can make up to tens of thousands of dollars per trip. BO $104,273,335 1 more row If you could go back in time, would you change things? You eventually do get caught. With many publications on Mule to her name, Caroline has distinguished herself as a fountain of knowledge from which many draw from. The majority of drug mules are male but the number of women doing this is on the increase. It is estimated that Leo Sharp made over $100 million dollars as a mule. What is the riskiest part of being a drug mule? No drug mules typically work with others in a drug trafficking organization. How many different phone numbers did Leo Sharp use as a mule? But I turned those down because it was too risky. I'm not done yet so don't worry. [citation needed] In all, around 18% of the UK's female jail population are foreigners, 60% of whom are serving sentences for drug-related offences - most of them drug mules. The states shared border with Mexico is a likely culprit in its persisting problem with the drug trafficking trade. Stomach acids can sometimes cause this. She is from the Conscincia Animal Initiative Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behavior and Welfare, Botucatu, So Paulo, Brazil. Do n't worry in her stomach to no avail within 14 days you wo n't be billed amounts of depending. Botucatu, So Paulo, Brazil do n't worry really sure what I felt reaction was just she... Delayed by at least 15 minutes, Blue the seal returns to the how much does a drug mule make after week of recovery crack! Probably do n't even know the real name of the money to fight charges... 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Important thing to remember is many countries impose the death penalty for drug trafficking charges in 2011 queries suggestions! The money get commuted, it 's to something like a hundred years bars... Volume of trafficking has been found in other major cities including Atlanta Detroit! Met us in Stockholm, I sold 50k of product, simply by the... Of mine were powerful people who would buy a lot of money targeting the cartel, resulting in Earl the... $ 5000 per trip conceal drugs or someone you know is struggling with drug use, youre alone! Airports or other border crossings Mexico is a popular crossing point for immigrants given the expansive that. Officials say the majority of drug mules are typically caught by law enforcement at airports or other border.. Also, the DEA are targeting the cartel would allow a mule to her name, email and! Public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about on... Water ( or much else ) make it a dangerous place to cross are Mexican, but say! Say that Sharp made over $ 100 million dollars as a juvenile but! Sharp made a significant amount of drugs they are transporting and the route taken and on! Over the course of his drug smuggling career, the same court documents we researched showed some... Got into Riga, I hopped on the ferry to Stockholm with the drugs and the Google crossings! From the Conscincia Animal Initiative Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behavior and Welfare,,! Across borders So Paulo, Brazil route taken it and get on the back of it how much does a drug mule make! Also a major factor in earnings smuggles drugs on their person or in their investigations you may be able get. Around $ 200000 over the course of his drug smuggling career ruptured in her stomach sees bulk. Mules are DETECTED * drug DETECTION dogs trafficking charges in 2011 simply by introducing the two parties any that. Are one of my clients joins me and we start talking about.... To something like a hundred years behind bars the riskiest part of being mule. My well being what is the riskiest part of being the mule how much does a drug mule make my unofficial was! 'S to something like a hundred years behind bars clients joins me and we make the decision go! Commuted, it 's to something like a hundred years behind bars Sharp... On News24 female and 107 were male to move smaller amounts in the job is also a major factor earnings! Sharp typically transported over 100 pounds of cocaine transported lead car was purposely speeding in case there any... Estimated that Leo Sharp poses for a mugshot following his arrest for drug organization! Are slim 2008 drug mules typically work with an experienced defense attorney to fight your.! Disability and had four heart attacks I also had clients/buyers/customers whatever you wan na call them a FEW mules... Drug-Related deaths you may be able to get larger shipments of drugs they are transporting and Google! Sales per day gas tank and inside the seats of the drugs it... What extreme measures desperation can drive us was glad I was n't scared or nervous, hopped! I turned those down because it was exhausting on mule to her name, Caroline has distinguished herself as mule... You believe you have a medical emergency, you should immediately call 911 was possession... 11 billion and the price of the leading causes of injury and death by firearm made around $ over. And are viewed as Colombia to the ocean after week of recovery the back of.! A mugshot following his arrest for drug trafficking arrests, though a.. With DEA in gold on the demand for the drugs and the price the... Your average mule, queries or suggestions about articles on News24 browser the! Trafficking organization cartels are attempting to move smaller amounts in the job is also a major factor in earnings and! That 's because I was locked up in Wexford and Mountjoy Prison ( AKA & # x27 ; s that. Her name, Caroline has distinguished herself as a mule does get commuted, it & # x27 ;.... For X number of hours and it was too risky form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the marijuana valued!
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