Discover the untold story of the Cali Cartel, the secretive and sophisticated empire that became Pablo Escobar’s deadliest rival. Known as the “Gentlemen of Cali,” this cartel was ruled by four powerful leaders: Gilberto Rodríguez Orejuela, the “Chess Player” who masterminded their operations; Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela, the logistical genius; José “Chepe” Santacruz Londoño, the enforcer and connection to New York’s cocaine market; and Hélmer “Pacho” Herrera, the flamboyant leader of their military operations. Together, they built a multibillion-dollar cocaine network that spanned continents, using bribery, political manipulation, and brutal enforcement to dominate the drug trade.
This gripping documentary delves into the rise of these four cartel bosses and the pivotal role played by Jorge Salcedo, the head of security who secretly collaborated with the DEA to bring the Cali empire down. Through his insider perspective, we uncover how Salcedo’s intelligence and moral conflict became instrumental in dismantling one of the most dangerous organizations in history. From Chepe’s control of U.S. distribution networks to Pacho’s ruthless leadership in Colombia, each figure contributed to the cartel’s success—and its ultimate downfall. With rare archival footage, insider testimonies, and detailed storytelling, we reveal how this criminal juggernaut silently infiltrated governments, corrupted law enforcement, and reshaped the global cocaine trade.
But as with every empire, their reign had to end. Learn about the betrayals, DEA operations, and internal cracks that led to the fall of the Cali Cartel in the 1990s. Perfect for fans of Narcos, true crime enthusiasts, and history buffs, this documentary uncovers the fascinating rise and fall of a cartel that ruled with both cunning and brutality. Subscribe now and join us on a journey into the dark underbelly of the drug trade!
________________________________________________
👉 SUBSCRIBE to the channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLfMYOeWw2n3508FHhU-g4Q?sub_confirmation=1
📜 Video Chapters:
00:00 : Intro
02:26 : Cartel Formation
16:55 : War Against Pablo
38:30 : Today’s Friend, Tomorrow’s Enemy
49:07 : Epilogue + Outro
51:58 : Interview with Gilberto Orejuela
📩 Partnership or question(s): contact.lifeofagangster@gmail.com
Sources :
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35479569-the-cali-cartel
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/10301203-at-the-devil-s-table
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/61333884-son-of-the-cali-cartel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cali_Cartel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Am%C3%A9rica_de_Cali
https://historica.fandom.com/wiki/Kidnapping_of_Martha_Ochoa
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Muerte_a_Secuestradores
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Escobar
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilberto_Rodr%C3%ADguez_Orejuela
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jorge_Salcedo_Cabrera
🗣 Voiceover : Patrick Garan
#calicartel #truecrime #lifeofagangster
⚠️ The sole purpose of this video is to relate historical facts. In no way does it advocate organized crime.
—
English version of the contents of the French channel PROFESSION GANGSTER.
Channel managed by the original creator.
source