In this explosive episode, we sit down with Alex Vargas, a former gang member and cartel sicario who lived through one of the most dangerous eras of crime. Born in Cali, Colombia but raised in Florida, he grew up in gangs, survived violent wars with rivals, and even faced a 65-year sentence in the U.S. before being repatriated back to Colombia. He opens up about: -His violent childhood and early murders committed “for fun” in Colombia -Joining street gangs in Florida and waging wars against Jamaicans, Cubans, and Latin Kings -Attempted murder of a cop and a life sentence that should have ended his story -The shocking way he was freed through Colombia’s repatriation system in the 1990s -Working with hitmen and experiencing the dark side of the Cali Cartel era -How his life spiraled through crack, basuco, and violence before eventually transforming This is one of the rawest, most unfiltered looks into the world of gangs, drugs, and the cartels — told by someone who lived it on both sides of the border. Go Support Alex! For English Lessons Anywhere In The World Contact Alex On WhatsApp: +57 317 553 2811 This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following: True Classic! Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/CONNECT! #trueclassicpod Mando! Control Body Odor ANYWHERE with @shop.mando and get 20% off + free shipping with promo code MITCHELL at https://shopmando.com! #mandopod Mood! Head to https://mood.com to find the functional gummy that matches exactly what you're looking for, and let Mood help you discover YOUR perfect mood. And don't forget to use promo code CONNECT when you check out to save 20% on your first order. Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Meet Alex Vargas: From Killer to English Teacher 01:36 Violent Roots: Family History in Colombia 05:05 Gang Life in Florida: Brothers in Crime 09:30 Escalating Violence and Early Addictions 13:10 Florida Gangs, Drive-Bys, and Crime Culture 15:12 This Episode Is Sponsored By True Classic! 16:55 Deportation and Sentencing: Repatriation Loophole 24:35 Florida Prison: Proving Yourself Amidst Killers 33:04 Return to Colombia: New Life, Old Enemies 37:00 Cartel Connections: Family Betrayal and Violence 40:11 This Episode Is Sponsored By Mando And Mood! 44:17 Back and Forth: US, Colombia, and Rising Up the Cartel 54:34 Becoming a Hitman for the Cali Cartel 01:00:00 Ecuadorian Prison: Survival, Addiction, and Brutality 01:13:07 Prison Riots, Forced Violence, and Hitting Bottom 01:20:10 Out of Prison: Drug Wars, Family, and New Cartels 01:24:00 Life as a Cartel Operative: Robbery, Violence, and Loyalty 01:32:00 Work for a Narco Boss: Trust, Drugs, and Betrayals 01:41:29 International Expansion: Honduras and the Maras 01:48:47 Cartel Wars: Guarantee Man in Honduras 01:57:00 Return to Colombia: Final Escape and Confrontations 02:01:00 Rock Bottom: Addiction, Homelessness and Recovery 02:08:09 Getting Sober, Redemption, and Teaching English 02:15:00 Reflections, Consequences, and Redemption Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
