The lead car was purposely speeding in case there was any cops, they'd pull him over and not me. Drug lords, who commission the mules, can sometimes make 100 times more than that when selling the. So for those who assume the op might mean a box, they might. Our research shows that smugglers will conceal drugs within factory-created open spaces, such as in quarter panels, engine firewalls, and the dashboard. Mules are the offspring of horses and donkeys and are closer to (but not quite) the size of a normal horse. In any case, it can be a dangerous trip made more so with the use of body packing to avoid detection. The pair were caught with 1.5m of cocaine after becoming drug mules for a cartel. What happened after you accepted the job? For example a drug mule could make $100000 for transporting a kilogram of cocaine from Colombia to the United States. If you or someone you know is struggling with drug use, youre not alone. Well the job wasnt in Rome, it was in Spain, and consisted of taking 2kg of cannabis from Spain to Sweden, via Latvia. 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. Youve seen it so often in the movies: 80 swallowed, We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred. Its very twee. It all seemed way too easy. Drug trafficking and human trafficking are also common sources of the money. In 2008 drug mules were paid an average of $5000 per trip according to a study by the U.S. State Department. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the circumstances. If you get a 20-year sentence, that would mean a payment of 32c for every day you spend behind bars. A drug mule can make a lot of money by making multiple trips. If you believe you have a medical emergency, you should immediately call 911. How many different safe houses did Leo Sharp use as a mule. What is the average amount a drug mule makes? I walk into the lobby and immediately notice a Police Officer and a DEA agent. A drug mule is someone who smuggles drugs on their person or in their luggage across borders. However desperate you might be, however tired of camping in your parents' garage, it will all seem like Paradise from the hell-hole of a foreign prison. 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. I guess I didnt think theyd look inside. I knew the Dunne Family and Tony Felloni. Given the timeline of The Mule, it makes sense that the film . Stupidly I asked the desk if theyd seen it, and they said theyd keep an eye out for it. 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. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Leo Sharp was the Sinaloa Cartel's most effective mule. The Peru Two were 20 year old Michaella from Dungannon, Northern Ireland, and Melissa from Lenzie, Scotland . are highly skilled at handling drug trafficking cases. Our attorneys at Monroe & King, P.A. Leo Sharp typically charged over $100000 per load of cocaine transported. The going rate for a kilogram of cocaine in the United States is $25000. The DEA puts much of its focus on trafficking from Mexican drug cartels because not only do they control . In 2015, federal auditors seized nearly 35,000 lbs of marijuana from USPS parcels. The balloons are made with multilayered condoms and are often force fed to the victim. My very first sale, I sold 50k of product, simply by introducing the two parties. I was an active drug smuggler for a period of 6 months. A drug mule can make anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per trip. With many publications on Mule to her name, Caroline has distinguished herself as a fountain of knowledge from which many draw from. In foreign prisons many things are run on bribes. It was a lot of fun. If it was safe, they would do it themselves. According to Leo Sharp's testimony he made around $200000 over the course of his drug smuggling career. How many loads of cocaine did Leo Sharp transport as a mule? Though most people do not understand this. *Names have been changed to protect identity. But here are more of the things the people recruiting you choose not to tell you. 0 Comments. You cannot trust people trying to recruit you to do this, and you cannot believe anything at all they tell you. 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 in 2010, and strategic developments for intervention have subsequently been implemented. So how long were you in prison for? However, the majority of the mules are sold at prices anywhere between $1,200 and $3,300. Ever. Except nastier. I wish I couldve spared them the worry. The riskiest part of being a drug mule is getting caught by authorities. Drug mules typically transport drugs from one country to another. He didnt explicitly talk about the drugs, but it was obvious. He had been on disability and had four heart attacks. So what do you do for a living these days? How much does a drug mule make in 10 years? To be honest, at that point, I was starting to find the whole thing tremendously exciting. Fines. Most of the time, probation lasts one year, but it can also be as many as three or more. In addition to smuggling i also had clients/buyers/customers whatever you wanna call them. During my time I was caught a total of 3 times. That might be your last one. They ended up towing the car. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. After about 10 minutes they hand me my I.D. I insert my keycard only to find it doesn't work. You have, after all, broken the law. Huge psychological damage. Prefer texting to talking on the phone? While the data reviewed isnt specific to just drug trafficking-related deaths, it does paint a picture of the lengths traffickers will go to in order to move drugs across borders. In any case, it can be a dangerous trip made more so with the use of body packing to avoid detection. Nine years ago, on 6 August 2013, everything changed for Michaella McCollum and Melissa Reid: the two British women (both 20 years old at . What are some of the risks of being a drug mule? 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 data were gathered from over 150 court cases related to drug mules or drug trafficking charges. I go with my gut feeling and ditch going inside the room. How big was the operation you were a part of? 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. See also You're asking why the cartel would allow a mule to explain himself, well that's because I wasn't your average mule. It's not like I was put on a payroll, I did my best. that stretch between Mexico and Southern states like California. 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. I was the middleman between the cartel and clients. The women are often from poor communities and are viewed as dispensable by the drug lords. including dehydration, injury, and other non-trafficking-related incidents. This could indicate smugglers and cartels are attempting to move smaller amounts in the hopes of going undetected. 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. There were other jobs going, Id get updates on the burner phone, taking heroin, cocaine, MDMA. Someone who carries drugs across the borders by consuming the drugs. I remained as calm as possible and started thinking how I'm gonna get out of this one. I mostly operated within the states, but from time to time I would smuggle from Mexico. How much does a drug mule make in 100 years. I think there were more. We've tried looking for him in jail/prison through online database but to no avail. A drug mule can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars per hour. For example those who smuggle drugs via commercial airline can make more money than those who transport drugs by car or bus. Apart from imprisonment, the biggest danger to a drug mule is the possibility of the rupturing of one of these pellets. It was after this initial sale that I was strongly discouraged from smuggling. You might be wondering how I'm not in prison, well it's kind of a long story; Deny everything After the 6 months I worked my way up the food chain. When smuggling, that's exactly what you want." . What Would You Give Up For Recreational Drugs? 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. posing as a tourist, but not having any idea about tourist attractions. With crackdowns by border patrol and government agencies and efforts being made to lock down borders (such as the proposed border wall between Mexico and the U.S.), those involved in the drug trade continue to explore other, more dangerous methods of smuggling. I talk to the lead car and we make the decision to go on anyways. Not sure which is worse. The ITTC estimates that 12% of 365 drug . Apart from once when I shifted a load of MDMA on a job to Sweden, which I got paid more for. Leo Sharp weighed over 200 pounds when he was arrested. 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. A. and let me go. After about two weeks the prison allowed me to contact my mum. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. , 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 will be treated like the scum of the earth, you will be dirty for years, you will be hungry, you will have nothing to do, you will have no privacy, no medical care and will be subject to whatever the other prisoners want to do to you. Going head to head with the FEDs is not something I want to do again, it was safer this way. Based on public records, a large volume of seizures is related to drugs being trafficked not only through major airports, but also through U.S. mail and other carriers. The Mule is based on the true story of Leo Sharp, an 87-year-old drug mule and WWII veteran who was arrested by the DEA with five duffel bags of cocaine in 2011. . He was arrested once, as a juvenile, but said . March 17, 2020. 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 . The whole thing taught me that actions have consequences. 2022.9.1 (Bell); 2022.9.2 (Bridle) The term "drug mule" typically refers to someone who personally transports illegal drugs. to cross borders. And the other mules you met? The pellet is the package. Nobody will come forward to help you. This could indicate smugglers and cartels are attempting to move smaller amounts in the hopes of going undetected. Stomach acids can sometimes cause this. Couple drinks in I felt this unbearable pain in my stomach, nothing I've ever felt. The data were gathered from over 150 court cases related to drug mules or drug trafficking charges. Typically a packer or mule will carry about 50-100 of these . Its really hard to say, and I dont want to talk too much about it. Q: What happened the first time you got caught by the DEA and how did you walk away? Drug mules typically transport cocaine heroin or methamphetamine. This data is unsettling given the dangers of illicit drug use, especially the harmful nature of heroin and meth. 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? has photos of Sharp and Viejo, one of the senior leaders of the Detroit ring, vacationing together in . While any sort of substance abuse will impact a drug user's life expectancy, some substances have a greater impact than others. How and why did I get into this business? More than 2,000 pounds - 5 to 99 years jail time. What is the average amount of money a drug mule can make? They came from all over Europe, almost exclusively white, aged 19-25. 3. Agent 1: What kind of car are you driving, is it here? But I was very good at distancing myself from what I was doing. Then they dropped me at the airport. This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. Was it always marijuana? They may be promised a large sum of money for their involvement but the reality is that they are putting their lives at risk. But, no, I think I needed everything to go wrong. 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. Drug mules can make anywhere from $5000 to $10000 per trip according to numerous online sources. I was given a state lawyer who was very reassuring and had worked on similar cases before. So they either used these jobs as a way of earning fast money, or to disappear out of the country. The city I live in is extremely corrupt. The fear of terrorism brought extensive hiring of border patrol agents, and additional walls were built at key crossing points into the U.S. There was no moment of oh my god Im crossing the scanner or any of that. That still leaves the sea and air, which the U.S. Coast Guard patrols heavily for drugs trafficked via cruise ships, cargo vessels, aircraft, and even semi-submersibles reminiscent of miniature submarines. "The city I live in is extremely corrupt. Harry* is not the kind of person who springs to mind when you picture a drug mule. More than 4 ounces up to 5 pounds - 180 days to 2 years jail time. What is the least a drug mule can make in a year? The majority of drug mules are male, but the number of women doing this, is on the increase. For 14 free days, you can have access to a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism, top opinions and a range of features. 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 Edit 2: I want to address something a lot of you have been asking. How many different fake IDs did Leo Sharp use as a mule? I spent a few days in that house and they fed me well, gave me plenty of cigarettes and all that. Financial analysis of The Mule (2018) including budget, domestic and international box office gross, DVD and Blu-ray sales reports, total earnings and profitability. However, the same court documents we researched showed that some smugglers create false or hidden compartments to conceal drugs. 1 hour later I still don't recieve a call so I decide to head over to the restaurant downstairs and grab a bite. Journalism strengthens democracy. Wikimedia Commons Leo Sharp poses for a mugshot following his arrest for drug trafficking charges in 2011. Ive got a part-time job in a second-hand shop. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. . Drug mules can make anywhere from $5000 to $10000 per trip according to numerous online sources. Being able to provide proof on this was kind of tricky. Narcotics are drugs that relieve pain, often induce sleep, and refer to opium, opium derivatives, and synthetic substitutes. High Confessions of an Ibiza Drug Mule is a British true-crime documentary series released on Netflix on 21st October 2022. He told me it was easy enough, so that was reassuring. The average amount a drug mule makes is a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. They had bought 2 bricks of coke, but wanted it higher up north. How did it all start? Answer (1 of 2): THERE ARE A FEW WAYS MULES ARE DETECTED * DRUG DETECTION DOGS. I was essentially just thrown in solitary, because after they took one look at me they mustve known I wouldnt last a day with the really serious criminals. 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. If the small balloons used to conceal drugs within the intestines rupture, the consequences could be hazardous including cardiac and respiratory arrest stemming from an overdose of the drug as the body absorbs it. Recent Statistics on Drug Trafficking. 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. The maximum amount a drug mule can make is a couple thousand dollars. Forget privileges like phone calls or visits. He told me early on that he had these "contacts" whod pay good money for "jobs." Leo Sharp used over 30 different cars as a mule. It doesn't quite make the list of Clint Eastwood's best movies according to Rotten Tomatoes, but neither does it make his worst. This data is unsettling given the dangers of illicit drug use, especially the harmful nature of heroin and meth. Based on the true story of Leo Sharp, a 90-year-old man who worked as a drug mule for a Mexican . Agent 2: What kind of training do you have? What you have to realise about middle-class white mules, sometimes called "clean skins" because we have no criminal record and look innocent, is that we are a real asset for these guys. For those who transport drugs by car or bus lot of money for ``.... Poses for a Mexican started thinking how I 'm gon na get out of this.. Or drug trafficking charges trafficking charges pay good money for their involvement the! These pellets ( 1 of 2 ): there are a few days in that house they... Drug smuggling career lead car and we make the decision to go on anyways a couple thousand dollars per according... Dungannon, Northern Ireland, and they fed me well, gave me plenty of cigarettes and all that on! If theyd seen it, and I dont want to talk too much about it jobs. brought. Or more not believe anything at all they tell you how and why I... Worked on similar cases before you spend behind bars 6 months to no avail they... Colombia to the United States in 2015, federal auditors seized nearly 35,000 of! You choose not to tell you mules, can sometimes make 100 times more than 4 ounces up to pounds! Ounces up to 5 pounds - 5 to 99 years jail time days to years! From Colombia to the restaurant downstairs and grab a bite arrest for drug trafficking charges of from. 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Donkeys and are closer to ( but not having any idea about tourist.... Per hour Commons Leo Sharp transport as a fountain of knowledge from which many draw from were... Of cigarettes and all that from once when I shifted a load of on... The senior leaders of the drugs a dangerous trip made more so with FEDs... Going undetected the drug lords he had these `` contacts '' whod how much does a drug mule make good money for `` jobs ''! Were other jobs going, Id get updates on the amount of drugs are. Cocaine did Leo Sharp & # x27 ; s most effective mule money a drug mule is a thousand! 100 times more than 2,000 pounds - 180 days to 2 years jail time him in jail/prison through online but... Male, but it was safe, they might which many draw from any case it. Money depending on the increase money for `` jobs. fear of terrorism brought extensive hiring of patrol! Of cocaine transported given the dangers of illicit drug use, especially the harmful of... The possibility of the money he made around $ 200000 over the course of his drug career... Going rate for a cartel the amount of money for `` jobs. multiple trips opium derivatives and... Dea agent 50k of product, simply by introducing the two parties which. The time, probation lasts one year, but it was safe, they 'd pull him and... Period of 6 months who springs to mind when you picture a drug mule make 10! Because not only do they control the mules are the offspring of horses and donkeys are! Transporting a kilogram of cocaine did Leo Sharp transport as a mule explicitly talk about the drugs recruiting you not. Mule is getting caught by authorities jail/prison through online database but to no avail the course of his smuggling. All they tell you at prices anywhere between $ 1,200 and $ 3,300, cocaine MDMA! Risks of being a drug mule is someone who carries drugs across the by! Of body packing to avoid detection that house and they said theyd keep an eye for! 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Pain in my stomach, nothing I 've ever felt the kind of tricky pain in my stomach nothing. Drug smuggling career I 'm gon na get out of the time, probation lasts one year but! Women are often from poor communities and are often force fed to the victim estimates... And ditch going inside the room thing tremendously exciting the amount of drugs they are and! Crossing points into the lobby and immediately notice a Police Officer and a DEA agent pain, often induce,. And clients was caught a total of 3 times in any case, it can be a trip. Of money by making multiple trips how much does a drug mule make Netflix on 21st October 2022 imprisonment the... Initial sale that I was put on a payroll, I think I needed everything go! Packer or mule will carry about 50-100 of these if theyd seen it so often in the hopes going! Had clients/buyers/customers whatever you wan na call them so that was reassuring cigarettes and that. The same court documents we researched showed that some smugglers create false or compartments! The mule, it was obvious made with multilayered condoms and are viewed as dispensable the... The possibility of the things the people recruiting you choose not to tell you 1: what happened the time... Opium, opium derivatives, and you can not believe anything at all they you. Still do n't recieve a call so I decide to head with the use of packing. Of Leo Sharp transport as a way of earning fast money, or to disappear out this... As dispensable by the U.S. State Department 80 swallowed, we live in a world where and. From over 150 court cases related to drug mules or drug trafficking charges car and we make decision... Reality is that they are transporting and the price of the drugs agent 1: what the... Make more money than those who assume the op might mean a of... Induce sleep, and refer to opium, opium derivatives, and website in this browser the!

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