In a recent interview on the podcast “Más allá del silencio,” former drug trafficker Carlos Lehder revealed intriguing details about the Medellín Cartel’s connections with the Castro brothers in Cuba. During the 1980s, Fidel and Raúl Castro led the Cuban dictatorship. Lehder’s experiences are chronicled in his book, “Vida y muerte del cartel de Medellín.”
Cuba’s Dictatorship and Drug Trafficking Ties
Lehder connected the Medellín Cartel with various political groups, including the Sandinistas in Nicaragua and the Panamanian dictatorship. His trip to Cuba began when he received an invitation from a doctor while in the Bahamas. Sixty days later, he flew from Colombia to Havana, landing with the Castro family’s authorization. However, he was initially unaware of the dictatorship’s intentions.
First Encounters with Cuban Officials
In 1981, Lehder met Cuban officials, including Colonel Tony de la Guardia, who was later executed by the Cuban regime on drug trafficking charges. During these meetings, Lehder learned that the Cuban government was eager to establish a cocaine trafficking route to the United States. He described their capitalist approach as lacking substantial resources.
- Lehder found their proposal unrealistic, particularly regarding financial transactions through Cuban banks.
- The Cuban officials offered an island to use as a staging point for drug shipments.
The Dynamics of Medellín and Cuba
Despite some interest from his associates, Pablo Escobar was wary of negotiating with the Cubans, partly due to his anti-communist beliefs. Lehder returned to Medellín to report back on the progress and proposals he had encountered. In contrast to Escobar’s hesitance, Gustavo was more receptive to the idea of collaboration.
Lehder claimed he did not engage directly with the Cuban government but was confident that Escobar did. He noted that the individuals who contacted him were later accused of drug trafficking.
Raúl Castro’s Cold Encounter
Lehder’s final interactions with Cuba’s elite included a meeting with Raúl Castro. He described Castro’s demeanor as cold and detached, emphasizing that any negotiations would come from the highest levels of the Cuban leadership.
Drug Deal Terms
Lehder disclosed that the suggested terms for the drug trade included payment of one thousand dollars per kilogram of cocaine, with “canela” as the key phrase for negotiations. He was aware that this operation was evident to U.S. authorities due to its straightforward nature.
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) eventually gathered enough evidence against Raúl Castro and others, leading to a frenzy among military officials who had collaborated with the Castro government. In hindsight, Lehder reflected on the ramifications of these connections during his time in prison.
By unraveling these historical ties, Lehder provides critical insights into the intricate relationships between Cuba’s dictatorship and the international drug trade orchestrated by the infamous Medellín Cartel.
