New Revelations of Former Medellín Cartel Boss Carlos Lehder Expose Castro Regime’s Role in Drug Trafficking
In a bombshell new book of memories, former Medellín Cartel boss Carlos Lehder reveals that General Raúl Castro gave the green light to drug trafficking operations, leading to the execution of four Cuban soldiers in the Ochoa Case. These shocking revelations are unveiled in Lehder’s book “Life and Death of the Medellín Cartel,” published by Penguin Random House and now on sale in bookstores in Colombia.
According to Lehder, the so-called “extraditables” had close relationships with the governments of Cuba, Panama, Nicaragua, and the Bahamas, who received millions of dollars to facilitate the smooth transit of Colombian drugs destined for the United States. Lehder contends that the money and power amassed by Colombian drug bosses in the 1980s would not have been possible without the complicity of these regimes.
Lehder detailed his firsthand experiences negotiating with Cuban officials, including a request to meet with Raúl Castro himself. He alleges that the Castro regime used Cuban-American intermediaries to extend formal invitations to visit the island, all expenses paid.
Furthermore, Lehder claimed that he was authorized to use Cayo Largo, an island in Cuba, as a springboard for drug smuggling. He asserted that the Cuban officials made it clear they needed all the dollars they could get and quoted Colonel Antonio de la Guardia saying, “For now, I can only confirm that we need all the dollars we can get.”
Lehder also described a meeting with Raúl Castro, where the Cuban leader spoke in code about the advancements of the Cuban Revolution and assured him his stay. According to Lehder, Castro’s words were considered a closing of the agreement for drug shipments arriving on the island.
This isn’t the first time the Castro regime has been implicated in drug trafficking. Jhon Jairo Velásquez, known as “Popeye,” one of Pablo Escobar’s hitmen, also revealed in an autobiography, that Escobar was pleased to do business with Raúl Castro, calling him a serious and enterprising man.
In light of these revelations, it becomes increasingly clear that the Castro regime has played a significant role in facilitating drug trafficking operations. The international community will be closely watching to see how these shocking allegations are addressed in the political and legal spheres.