Jerry’s death freed me to discuss matters that otherwise might have gotten him into trouble in prison, so let’s talk about the CIA’s involvement with cocaine a little more. In the early 80s—specifically 80 and 81---the agency was either flying coke directly or getting a percentage from Cartel members. They had safe airports in Arkansas, Texas, and a few other states, where planes could land and take off without much notice. Jerry knew names and places, not because of his position but because in Medellin this was common knowledge among smugglers. The CIA had immense stores of money so that was never a problem if someone needed to be bought, and they also had immense political clout, as they still do. They would store millions in their “own” banks, cash in safety deposit boxes or sometimes in phony accounts.
People have wondered why Jerry wasn’t concerned when the CIA contacted him in south Florida to work for them, the answer being that they were as dirty as him so why should he be concerned. The Colombians weren’t concerned either at that point.
Much of the money collected by the CIA was used to fund their involvement in various covert activities throughout the world, but a lot of it went into personal bank accounts as well, according to Jerry. Now, as you read this, you need to understand there is nothing anyone can do about it because too many high level people are involved. Think about all the Congressional investigations, all the books written, accusations by the media, and what has been the outcome? Zilch, that’s what. Jerry believed that the CIA rules the world and maybe he’s right.
Consider the $20 million a flight he was offered to fly cocaine into Europe and heroin back. This was upfront money so where was it coming from. Forget car washes and bake sales. We’re talking about $20 million, as much as $60 million a month, for as long as---well, until someone decided to kill him, I guess. You think that wasn’t tempting? But he knew all about the CIA, so passing up that kind of money told you how much he trusted them. Respect, yes he did, but not trust. Until his final breath last week, he didn’t trust them.
He would remind me the tragedy of Barry Seal. He trusted them until the afternoon he was gunned down in the street.
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