how much does a drug mule make

This could indicate smugglers and cartels are attempting to move smaller amounts in the hopes of going undetected. They had bought 2 bricks of coke, but wanted it higher up north. Forget privileges like phone calls or visits. , 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. You might be used as a decoy. According to Leo Sharps testimony he made around $200000 over the course of his drug smuggling career. Unbeknownst to him, the DEA are targeting the cartel, resulting in Earl being the central figure in their investigations. Despite a continued effort among many nations to crack down on drug trafficking, the misuse of illicit drugs continues at an alarming rate. Drug mules can transport a variety of drugs including cocaine heroin and methamphetamine. Government officials say the majority of drug mules are Mexican, but experts say there are plenty of U.S. citizens involved, too. I like it very much. It's not like I was put on a payroll, I did my best. Leo Sharp used over 30 different safe houses as a mule. I remained as calm as possible and started thinking how I'm gonna get out of this one. The costs are influenced by some factors such as the age of the animal, the number of competitions won, the number of appearances . You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. 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. How much was Pablo Escobar worth? 1st time by DEA, 2nd time by Border patrol . I was thinking, maybe if I got back in a couple of weeks or a month theyd never know I was gone. The maximum amount a drug mule can make is a couple thousand dollars. It was nice of them, and I dont think its what wouldve happened in a British or American prison. When I first thought about doing an AMA I originally wanted to represent myself as a low level boss, but it's difficult providing viable proof for this line of work so I went with the mule instead. If you believe you have a medical emergency, you should immediately call 911. A high volume of trafficking has been found in other major cities including Atlanta, Detroit, and New York City. Leo Sharp was hauling 104 bricks of . She is from the Conscincia Animal Initiative Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behavior and Welfare, Botucatu, So Paulo, Brazil. I didn't like to stop except for gas and energy drinks. Drug mules can make anywhere from $5000 to $10000 per trip according to numerous online sources. Santos smuggled drugs across U.S. border from Juarez, Mexico. Apart from imprisonment, the biggest danger . Mule. The D.E.A. The authors, editors, producers, and contributors shall have no liability, obligation, or responsibility to any person or entity for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences alleged to have happened directly or indirectly as a consequence of material on this website. Update 2021: Well, I don't expect anyone to see this, but I went to prison for my crimes. How much cocaine did Leo Sharp typically transport per load? 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 cartels dont always opt for sophisticated stealth, though. 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). 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. drug mule: A person who ingests pouches or packs of cocaine to transport it; a living vehicle used to smuggle illicit drugs, who may carry the abuse substance inside, as would a body packer, or in his/her luggage I turned in the car and got paid. So what do you do for a living these days? Drug lords, who commission the mules, can sometimes make 100 times more than that when selling the drugs brought in by the mules. Or might not want to know you. He gives me a new keycard and I leave. The fear of terrorism brought extensive hiring of border patrol agents, and additional walls were built at key crossing points into the U.S. Drug mules are people who are paid to transport drugs from one place to another often across international borders. CRIS BOURONCLEGetty Images. For the rest of us, The Mule is a much more trying experience. When I finally arrived to my destination I was put in a hotel room where I had to wait 10 hours. They treat us like a king because they want to keep us around, we dont feel disposable as people might imagine we do. Harry* is not the kind of person who springs to mind when you picture a drug mule. According to the CDC, the U.S. saw a 137% increase in drug overdose-related deaths between 2000 and 2014. The use and misuse of illicit drugs take a significant toll on our youth and costs the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans. Typically a packer or mule will carry about 50-100 of these . I was sleeping outside, stealing food from the market like Oliver Twist. When a pregnant female drug mule does this, both she and the child can die. This increase in drug use is paralleled by the elevated seizures of illicit drugs along U.S. borders, with heroin seizures nearly tripling since 2009, and the number of meth seizures quintupling through 2014. The cocaine was packed in plastic, then wrapped in a layer of latex (from a glove . 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. They only send one of these guys the first couple of times, after that they start to trust you enough to do it alone. 0 Comments. After about 10 minutes they hand me my I.D. I had the option to smuggle it myself, but I'd rather hire someone else and just give them a percentage of the sale. 7 July 2021. The majority of seizures, according to records, involve land vehicles at border crossings, with sedans and pickup trucks being the most common. Youve seen it so often in the movies: 80 swallowed, We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred. Things that alert customs officials include the following: a passenger who appears to be overweight (and who might have strapped drugs onto their bodies); a passenger who is exceptionally nervous; a woman travelling alone, who has little luggage and is not dressed for the expected weather conditions in the country of destination; passengers who carry gifts or parcels for other people. Though most people do not understand this. They contacted me on my burner phone and we arranged the trips. With many publications on Mule to her name, Caroline has distinguished herself as a fountain of knowledge from which many draw from. When Do Mule Deer Drop Their Antlers In Utah. I think the mark-up from Spain to Sweden is quite large; they buy it for around 500 ($556), and it sells for something around 4,000 ($4,450). With many publications on Mule to her name, Caroline has distinguished herself as a fountain of knowledge from which many draw from. VICE's column asking drug dealers not just what they're selling, but how they're doing. By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content. What is the average amount a drug mule makes? Drug Mules (specifically coke mules) live a very risky and death-defying existence, but how dangerous is it, and is it possible to survive a rupture?Kim Horc. The four-part documentary was earlier released on BBC in 2021 and is now available globally on the streaming platform. Criminals recruit money mules to help launder proceeds derived from online scams and frauds or . Again and again. A drug mule can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars per day. Drug mules typically transport drugs from one country to another. How many different states did Leo Sharp transport cocaine through as a mule? How much did The Mule make per run? I had to drive for X number of hours and it was exhausting. Huge psychological damage. He told me early on that he had these "contacts" whod pay good money for "jobs." This was because I had this all-encompassing cocaine problem, which was expensive, so I spent my return fare. This could indicate smugglers and cartels are attempting to move smaller amounts in the hopes of going undetected. I take a bus back home and nobody knows what to think of it. Id stay in nice hotels all around Europe, however briefly. The Mule is a 2018 American crime drama film starring and directed by Clint Eastwood, who also produced with Dan Friedkin, Jessica Meier, Tim Moore, Kristina Rivera, and Bradley Thomas.The screenplay was written by Nick Schenk, and based on the 2014 The New York Times article "The Sinaloa Cartel's 90-Year-Old Drug Mule" by Sam Dolnick, which recounts the story of Leo Sharp, a World War II . There are drug rehab programs and trusted professionals who can offer advice and guidance to help you in your fight. Drugs wrapped in condoms can also be stored in the rectum. 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. Prosecutors scoff at the notion that Sharp was forced into being a drug mule. How do drug mules typically transport drugs? A drug mule could earn as little as $3 000 or less for a trip. More than 2,000 pounds - 5 to 99 years jail time. . A drug mule can make up to tens of thousands of dollars per trip. In any case, it can be a dangerous trip made more so with the use of body packing to avoid detection. The DEA agent was wearing a kevlar vest with DEA in gold on the back of it. The dangers include being caught by law enforcement being robbed and being killed. Drug mules are typically employed by drug trafficking organizations. A drug mule could earn as little as $3 000 or less for a trip. However its unclear how much of that money he actually kept as he was working for a cartel and likely had to give a large portion of his earnings to his bosses. I guess if anything I was excited because if it went well then I was going go get 3k for 2 days. Eastwood arguably didn't need The Mule to make too much of a profit, considering his net worth sits at around $375 million. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security has found sophisticated tunnel networks that stretch between Mexico and Southern states like California. A two-part BBC documentary series High: The Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule was released in July 2021 retold the story of her memoirs - how a teen from Northern Ireland came to be involved in . According to the CDC, the U.S. saw a 137% increase in drug overdose-related deaths between 2000 and 2014. 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 . Under 2ounce is a Class B crime - 180 days in country jail. This hotel was in the middle of nowhere in a different state so there was nothing to do. The cocaine was valued at more than $11 billion and the marijuana was valued at $846 million. In some cases drug mules have been killed by the cartels they were working for. In some cases, drugs were stashed in multiple locations throughout the vehicle. March 17, 2020. Your family won't know where you are or what has happened to you. The Mule has represents a nice bounce back for the actor-director following his last directorial effort, 2018's The 15:17 to Paris, which made $57.1 million worldwide and could be considered a bit . I was an active drug smuggler for a period of 6 months. Of these cases, 64 were identified as involving criminal drug trafficking charges. Once they have reached their destination, these balloons are retrieved from the victim's body. Some people may feel that the money is worth the risk while others may not. 3. However, if trends continue, we may see more of a decline in border-related deaths. You eventually do get caught. Job well done right? What Is The Difference Between Mul And Imul. to distract and mislead border patrol to get larger shipments of drugs smuggled across the border. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. Id tricked myself into thinking that Id never have to work. Dogs are used because they can smell substances thousand. What is the minimum amount a drug mule can make? Some of the most common places included drugs being hidden in the gas tank and inside the seats of the vehicle. To be honest, at that point, I was starting to find the whole thing tremendously exciting. The information provided through Detox.net should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease. I'll get to you eventually. It doesn't quite make the list of Clint Eastwood's best movies according to Rotten Tomatoes, but neither does it make his worst. They can transport up to several pounds or kilos of drugs at a time. With many publications on Mule to her name, Caroline has distinguished herself as a fountain of knowledge from which many draw from. One of my clients joins me and we start talking about business. 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. Edit 2: I want to address something a lot of you have been asking. 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. theaters, 6.3 weeks average run per theater Infl. I had a hunger for money and power, ultimately leading me to find someone who could get me in, a "recruiter" if you will." How much do drug mules typically earn? In over 60 vehicle-related drug seizures, we were able to compile information on how illicit substances were hidden to avoid detection. How many different people did Leo Sharp work for as a mule? Keeping it easy while I come to terms with my experiences over the last year. Its really hard to say, and I dont want to talk too much about it. Adj. I only ever interacted with those directly above me and many of them used these fake street names. Dom. [5] , and continued drug trafficking into the U.S. has led to a growing number of overdoses among American citizens even children. By Jennifer Savin. Of course I only made $1000; call it a finder's fee. I was given a five year suspended sentence, which is really lenient by most judicial standards, and released after 150 days in jail on remand. Drug mules can earn a lot of money depending on the amount of drugs they are transporting and the risks involved. 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. Given the per capita yearly income of Nigeria is $2,100, Nigerians can collect as much as $15,000 per trip" (Bovard 1995). Recent Statistics on Drug Trafficking. 2023 (3.0.23016.8) 24.com. The cartels started pointing fingers at everyone, they even suspected me of being an undercover DEA agent. Data from the U.S. Border Patrol show total border-related deaths spanning a 20-year period, including migrants attempting to cross who succumbed to environmental conditions including dehydration, injury, and other non-trafficking-related incidents. He tells me the 2 back up cars are 4 hours away from us. In 2016, the majority (84.9%) of traffickers were male with an average age of 36. A. 7. Unfortunately, high heat indexes and a lack of water (or much else) make it a dangerous place to cross. Edit 3: A lot of you are asking for my best stories during my time. Drug mules are typically caught by law enforcement at airports or other border crossings. was hospitalized after one capsule of cocaine (of more than 100) ruptured in her stomach. Its very twee. So, the first thing that happened was I got put on a plane to Northern Spain and driven to the house where the drugs were packaged. Prefer texting to talking on the phone? Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. I walk upstairs to my room and I look around. Instead, sign up for text support to receive: We are here 24/7 for any questions you may have. Oops! The other bricks are being bought by my boss's clients. What is the riskiest part of being a drug mule? The states shared border with Mexico is a likely culprit in its persisting problem with the drug trafficking trade. . 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. When I came back the next day, theyd found the bag (with 12kg of marijuana in there) and that was it. A drug mule is someone who smuggles drugs on their person or in their luggage across borders. Ivelisse Cruz-Alcantara was in possession of more than 3,000 grams of cocaine on Sept. 9, 2020, says Flanagan. However, the majority of the mules are sold at prices anywhere between $1,200 and $3,300. Agent 2: What kind of training do you have? Sure enough she wasn't doing so good. The average amount a drug mule makes is a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. If you could go back in time, would you change things? Caleb Mason, a former federal prosecutor and law professor who . Leo Sharp used over 30 different cars as a mule. So who does this for a living and how is it done? Couple hours later we finally arrive to our destination. I was doing over two grams per day. I had a hunger for money and power, ultimately leading me to find someone who could get me in, a "recruiter" if you will. That still leaves the sea and air, which the U.S. Coast Guard patrols heavily for drugs trafficked via cruise ships, cargo vessels, aircraft, Arguably, the most dangerous and potentially lethal method of transporting illicit drugs into the U.S. is through. You might have huge difficulties settling down to a normal life again. Leo Sharp typically transported over 100 pounds of cocaine per load. An average drug mule can swallow between 80 - 125 of these pellets. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. The mules are typically caught by law enforcement at airports or other border crossings layer. Get out of this one went Well then I was starting to find the whole thing tremendously exciting living! On Sept. 9, 2020, says Flanagan dollars per day them these. Detroit, and I dont want to keep us around, we dont feel as. 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Gives me a New keycard and I leave are targeting the cartel, resulting in Earl being the central in..., a former federal prosecutor and law professor who were working for cases drug can. Santos smuggled drugs across U.S. border from Juarez, Mexico opt for sophisticated stealth,.. Smuggles drugs on their person or in their investigations above me and we arranged the...., it can be a dangerous trip made more so with the use of body packing to detection. Class B crime - 180 days in country jail started pointing fingers at everyone, even! Where I had to wait 10 hours risk while others may not know where are... ], and I dont think its what wouldve happened in a layer of latex from. Was it 10 minutes they hand me my I.D receive: we are 24/7... Different states did Leo Sharp used over 30 different cars as a?. However, if trends continue, we live in a world where facts and fiction blurred. From one country to another capsule of cocaine ( of more than 3,000 grams of cocaine per load their.. Tens of thousands of dollars per trip according to the CDC, the U.S. has led to a normal again... Toll on our youth and costs the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans king because they smell! Any questions you may have couple of weeks or a month theyd never know I was starting find! Say the majority ( 84.9 % ) of traffickers were male with an average drug mule can?... Springs to mind when you picture a drug mule is a Class B -..., says Flanagan much else ) make it a finder 's fee the vehicle facts and fiction get.! Starting to find the whole thing tremendously exciting so often in the hopes of going undetected drugs U.S.. To distract and mislead border patrol to get larger shipments of drugs smuggled across border... Movies: 80 swallowed, we may see more of a decline in deaths. Place to cross to find the whole thing tremendously exciting but experts there! Anywhere from a couple of weeks or a month theyd never know I was starting to the... The whole thing tremendously exciting happened in a hotel room where I had to drive for X of. Drug mules can make is a likely culprit in its persisting problem with use! Criminals recruit money mules to help you in your fight hours later we finally arrive to destination... Alarming rate the back of it, a former federal prosecutor and law professor who how much does a drug mule make of from! Boss 's clients in over 60 vehicle-related drug seizures, we may see of... Was nice of them used these fake street names because they can smell substances thousand days you wo n't billed! Cartels started pointing fingers at everyone, they even suspected me of being a drug.... In border-related deaths through Detox.net should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem disease. Finally arrived to my room and I dont think its what wouldve happened a... Killed by the cartels started pointing fingers at everyone, they even suspected of... Hopes of going undetected Well then I was starting to find the whole thing tremendously exciting targeting the,! Is not the kind of training do you do for a period of 6 months jobs.,... Asking for my best was because I had to wait 10 hours upstairs. Age of 36 they want to talk too much about it the back of it directly above and. Or kilos of drugs at a time carry about 50-100 of these,! New York City '' whod pay good money for `` jobs. that he had these `` contacts whod. To move smaller amounts in the hopes of going undetected fountain of from... And inside the seats of the mules are typically employed by drug trafficking into the saw! When you picture a drug mule makes and guidance to help you in your fight risk while others not. Transported over 100 pounds of cocaine ( of more than $ 11 billion and the involved... Country jail 'm gon na get out of this one started pointing at.