Miguel Ngel Flix Gallardo: The Godfather Of The Guadalajara Cartel
What defines the shadowy world of international drug trafficking, a realm of power, violence, and immense wealth? The name Miguel ngel Flix Gallardo, a figure known as "El Padrino," or "The Godfather," stands as a chilling embodiment of this dark reality, the architect of the modern Mexican drug trade.
The story of Flix Gallardo, as chronicled in the gritty drama "Narcos: Mexico," unveils the intricate web of the Guadalajara Cartel, which he masterminded in the 1970s. Portrayed by the talented Diego Luna, Flix is depicted not only as a ruthless criminal but also as a complex individual, showcasing both his life in crime and the personal relationships that shaped him. His rise from obscurity to becoming one of the most powerful drug lords in Mexican history is a testament to his ambition and cunning, a narrative woven with threads of brutal ambition and deadly consequences.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miguel ngel Flix Gallardo |
| Also Known As | El Padrino (The Godfather), El Jefe de Jefes (The Boss of Bosses) |
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Culiacn, Sinaloa, Mexico |
| Criminal Activity | Drug Trafficking, Murder, Organized Crime |
| Cartel Founded | Guadalajara Cartel |
| Key Accomplishments | Founder of the Guadalajara Cartel, Pioneered modern Mexican drug trade, Formed alliances with Colombian cartels |
| Notable Connections | Rafael Caro Quintero, Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo, Enrique "Kiki" Camarena (DEA Agent) |
| Arrest Date | April 8, 1989 |
| Current Status | Imprisoned in a maximum-security prison in Mexico |
| Children | Abril Flix Murillo, Miguel Flix Murillo Jr. (and potentially others) |
| Reference | Wikipedia |
Before his notoriety as a drug lord, Gallardo's early life included a stint as a federal judicial police officer. It was in this context that he observed the existing drug trade, the potential for organization, and the vast profits to be made. This awareness laid the foundation for his later ascent, a journey from law enforcement to becoming the very embodiment of lawlessness. This is how the history of the Guadalajara Cartel and modern Mexican drug trade all started.
The Guadalajara Cartel, formed in the late 1970s, marked a pivotal moment in the history of drug trafficking. Gallardo, alongside Rafael Caro Quintero and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo, established a sophisticated network for the transport of cocaine and marijuana into the United States. This collaboration with Colombian cartels allowed for efficient distribution and consolidated their power, creating a multi-billion-dollar industry built on addiction and despair. He established 200 ranches and a hotel when he was apprehended in 1989. His influence extended far beyond his immediate operations, as he is credited with shaping the modern landscape of Mexican drug trafficking, leading to the creation of the federations. The arrest occurred in 1989, after many years of operating his cartel.
Gallardos operations weren't limited by borders. He established strong ties with powerful Colombian cartels, such as the Medelln Cartel. This alliance provided access to vast quantities of cocaine and expanded their influence. The collaboration created a symbiotic relationship, with Mexican traffickers managing transportation routes and the Colombians supplying the product. The cartel was considered one of the most powerful cartels.
A dark chapter in Gallardos legacy is his alleged involvement in the murder of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena in 1985. The brutal killing of Camarena sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and led to a massive crackdown on the Guadalajara Cartel. Though Gallardo has consistently denied direct involvement, the evidence presented in court linked him to the crime, leading to his conviction. He has been accused and convicted for the murder, and the case has marked a significant turning point.
Imprisoned since 1989, Gallardo, even from behind bars, has remained a prominent figure in the Mexican drug world. Reports indicate that he continued to issue orders and maintain his influence, utilizing mobile phones to communicate with his associates. He was moved to the maximum-security prison in Puente Grande, Jalisco. His story is a grim reminder of the cartels reach. Even in custody, he never lost control of the empire he created.
His personal life, including the presence of the two confirmed children, Abril Flix Murillo and Miguel Flix Murillo Jr., along with possible other unconfirmed children, gives a glimpse into the man behind the criminal. The power of his influence extended beyond the trafficking of drugs.
The legacy of Miguel ngel Flix Gallardo is complex and disturbing. He is remembered as the godfather of the modern Mexican drug trade, a man of immense power who rose through ambition and ruthlessness. His actions resulted in the death and suffering of thousands of people, leading to an international war against drugs. However, his impact on the drug trade and organized crime in Mexico is undeniable. His actions paved the way for the cartels of today, influencing their structure, methods, and global reach.
The "Narcos: Mexico" series, with its portrayal of Gallardo by Diego Luna, not only entertains but also provides insight into the workings of the drug trade. The dramas exploration of his rise and fall allows a deeper understanding of the complexities of drug trafficking and the profound impact it has on society. His story is a lesson in the dynamics of power, the allure of wealth, and the devastating cost of a life lived in crime.
In an exclusive interview with Noticias Telemundo, Gallardo denied any involvement in Enrique Kiki Camarena's murder, even sending his widow a message, seeking to rewrite the narrative.
In August 23, 2017, Gallardo was convicted for the death of DEA agent Enrique Camarena.
The Guadalajara Cartel, also known as the Federation (Spanish: La Federacin), was a Mexican drug cartel. It was formed in the late 1970s by Miguel ngel Flix Gallardo, Rafael Caro Quintero, and Ernesto Fonseca Carrillo to ship cocaine and marijuana to the United States.
Miguel ngel Flix Gallardo is one of the biggest drug traffickers in Mexican history. He is also the founder of the modern Mexican drug trade. Commonly known by his nickname El Padrino (The Godfather), Gallardo formed the Guadalajara Cartel in the 80s.
The former leader of the Guadalajara Cartel and the central figure of Narcos: Mexico, Gallardo is currently confined in the maximum-security zone of the Puente Grande federal prison in Jalisco. Even today, he remains in a wheelchair, partially deaf in one ear, and blind in one eye, bereft of the luxuries he once enjoyed.
