Podcast
The Underworld Podcast
The hosts referenced the book to illustrate El Mayo's strategic leadership, noting his chairman‑like decision making, financial savvy, and use of corruption as a key tool. Danny Golds cited it as the source for these insights about the Sinaloa cartel’s power dynamics. The discussion highlighted the book’s detailed portrayal of the narco hierarchy and its relevance to understanding the cartel’s operations.
Episode: El Chapo's Boss & The Most Powerful Kingpin in Mex...
It was about El Chapo, but El Mayo played a big role in the Sinaloa cartel. El Mayo was the one who realized that corruption is a useful tool for a narco.
A lot of this comes from Malcolm Bates book The Last Narco.
I think that's how you say his last name, which is ostensibly about Elchapo. But Elmayo obviously plays a huge role in Sinaloa.
Like, you know, Elmayo, he's the one who realizes once he's solely in charge when Chapo's locked up that corruption is an incredibly important tool kit for a narco to have.
According to the last narco book, the authorities believe they were always one step behind Elchapo and two steps behind Elmayo.
To quote the last narco, quote, one DEA agent likens him to a chairman of the board who operates solely from the top floor and made the executive decisions.
Episode: EL MAYO ARRESTED! Was he betrayed by Chapo's son?!...
The book was mentioned in relation to El Mayo, comparing him to a chairman of the board making executive decisions, and highlighting his ability to handle finances and relationships with Columbian cartels.
One DEA agent likens him to a chairman of the board who operates solely from the top floor and made the executive decisions. El Mayo knew what to do with the money and he knew how to handle the Columbians. He also knew what was good for business.
He was the guy who wants to cooperate and bring people together the DEA believed.
And this is a book that came out 15 years ago if anything like he's got to be even more removed by now.