CRIMINAL MISCHIEF 69: AFTER ESCOBAR

AFTER ESCOBAR is the gripping true story into the rise and ultimate takedown of what former DEA head Thomas Constantine called “the biggest and most powerful crime syndicate in history”, as told by the agents themselves. By the early 1990s, Colombia’s Cali cartel had become responsible for nearly 85% of the cocaine that reached U.S. soil and 90% worldwide. They were untouchable, earning billions of dollars all while maintaining their reputation as ‘The Godfathers of Cali” and brazenly corrupting thousands of Colombian authorities and government officials, even buying the outcome of the 1994 presidential election.

In 1994, the DEA sent young operatives Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell to Colombia with one formidable task: help Colombian authorities take down the ruthless leaders of the brutal Cali cartel. No easy feat for two men who looked more like tall, California surfers than DEA agents: standing well over six feet tall and only six years removed from the DEA Academy, they were the epitome of conspicuousness in a city where most residents rarely, if ever, saw an American in person. Many of their colleagues feared for their safety, openly questioning their ability to blend in.

Their almost three-year journey would lead them from the bureaucratic halls of the U.S. Embassy to the violent streets of Cali and deep into its rural sugar cane fields, on high alert day and night as they dodged deadly cartel assassins and oftentimes worked unilaterally to battle the unprecedented corruption within Colombia’s security forces. Over time their relentless efforts began to slowly degrade the godfathers’ defenses and weaken their infrastructure.

About the Authors

Chris Feistl was a DEA Special Agent for twenty-six years, serving in diverse assignments throughout the US as well as twelve years in Colombia, South America, where he investigated major drug cartels that were supplying tons of cocaine and heroin destined for the US. Starting as a new agent in Miami, he finished his career as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge in Phoenix in 2014. Chris has been a frequent guest on television documentaries and true crime podcasts regarding the Cali cartel. He was portrayed in eighty episodes of a Spanish-language series entitled En la Boca del Lobo, as well as in Season 3 of Netflix’s hit series Narcos. He has also appeared in several other television projects, shows, and radio programs. Chris has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the DEA Administrator’s Award of Honor (DEA’s highest honor), and four Distinguished Service Medals from the Colombian government.

Dave Mitchell is a retired DEA Special Agent with thirty-three years of service, where he played a crucial role in numerous high-profile cases targeting major drug cartels, including the Cali cartel. He began his career in Miami during the era of the Miami Cocaine Cowboys, and later conducted cocaine interdiction operations in the jungles of South America and led drug investigations throughout South Florida, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe. He retired in December 2020 after receiving numerous awards, including the DEA’s highest award, the Administrator’s Award of Honor, and two Distinguished Service Medals from the Colombian government. Dave currently resides in the Fort Lauderdale area and owns ClearPath Investigative Solutions, LLC, which provides investigative services and personal protection to a select group of high-profile clients.

Jessica Balboni is a Boston-based writer and editor with a diverse background in media that spans artistic, academic, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, including roles held with the Food Network, The Rockefeller Foundation, and ESPN