Story Highlights. . IamA drug mule from Ireland who did 3 years in Colombian prison, when I killed another inmate. I was an active drug smuggler for a period of 6 months. I was essentially just thrown in solitary, because after they took one look at me they mustve known I wouldnt last a day with the really serious criminals. Mules do not spawn naturally, but they can spawn through cross-breeding a horse with a donkey. In one recent case, a child as young as 11 was hospitalized after one capsule of cocaine (of more than 100) ruptured in her stomach. The D.E.A. At this point it's about 2200 and I'm tired. The women are often from poor communities and are viewed as dispensable by the drug lords. The prisons are beyond horrible. I wish I couldve spared them the worry. The costs are influenced by some factors such as the age of the animal, the number of competitions won, the number of appearances . The fear of terrorism, brought extensive hiring of border patrol agents, and additional walls were built at key crossing points into the U.S. . posing as a tourist, but not having any idea about tourist attractions. I didn't like to stop except for gas and energy drinks. The risks of being a drug mule include being caught by law enforcement being robbed and being killed. 1st time by DEA, 2nd time by Border patrol . I'll get to you eventually. You most probably don't even know the real name of the person with whom you have to do the drop. How many times did you end up smuggling? Visit Detox.net today for more information. Cartels have even used unaccompanied children as well as clone vehicles to distract and mislead border patrol to get larger shipments of drugs smuggled across the border. What is the maximum amount a drug mule can make? Unfortunately, high heat indexes and a lack of water (or much else) make it a dangerous place to cross. Each of us can be an agent of change in preventing drug-related deaths. While any sort of substance abuse will impact a drug user's life expectancy, some substances have a greater impact than others. The owner needs to spend $100 to $150 per month to feed a mule. This is all to keep the dogs off track. to cross borders. Journalism strengthens democracy. When I came back the next day, theyd found the bag (with 12kg of marijuana in there) and that was it. However, the same court documents we researched showed that some smugglers create false or hidden compartments to conceal drugs. The ITTC estimates that 12% of 365 drug . The majority of drug mules are male but the number of women doing this is on the increase. People could feel resentful for what you have put them through. How much does a drug mule make per second? I talk to the lead car and we make the decision to go on anyways. *Names have been changed to protect identity. Their . Mules are the offspring of horses and donkeys and are closer to (but not quite) the size of a normal horse. There are, and trusted professionals who can offer advice and guidance to help you in your fight. In any case, it can be a dangerous trip made more so with the use of body packing to avoid detection. I was given a five year suspended sentence, which is really lenient by most judicial standards, and released after 150 days in jail on remand. . It's not like I was put on a payroll, I did my best. With crackdowns by border patrol and government agencies and efforts being made to lock down borders (such as the proposed border wall between Mexico and the U.S.), those involved in the drug trade continue to explore other, more dangerous methods of smuggling. Under 2ounce is a Class B crime - 180 days in country jail. being overly nervous and sweating. The states shared border with Mexico is a likely culprit in its persisting problem with the drug trafficking trade. Leo Sharp used over 25 different fake IDs as a mule. The authors, editors, producers, and contributors shall have no liability, obligation, or responsibility to any person or entity for any loss, damage, or adverse consequences alleged to have happened directly or indirectly as a consequence of material on this website. We're city name police department. Drug mules typically transport cocaine heroin or methamphetamine. Semisynthetic narcotics include heroin (horse . However, the same court documents we researched showed that some smugglers create false or hidden compartments to conceal drugs. Earnings can vary greatly depending on the circumstances. A. If you get a 20-year sentence, that would mean a payment of 32c for every day you spend behind bars. Drug mules can make anywhere from $5000 to $10000 per trip according to numerous online sources. Mr. Day Lily. The total estimate for El Chapo's "gross drug sale proceeds" since early 1990s was less than $12.7 . Except nastier. The series is created by BBC and produced by Blast Entertainment. 0 Comments. This was just an added precaution. Your family won't know where you are or what has happened to you. We first meet Stone in 2005 at a mere 75, a dapper figure at a day lily horticulture convention who collects trophies, flirts with the ladies, and buys drinks for the guysa . The going rate for a kilogram of cocaine in the United States is $25000. Dom. While the Rio Grande Valley in Texas has the second largest number of border-related deaths, these deaths may not necessarily be related to drugs. Although I really hurt my friends and family, and that upsets me. He tells me to stay put with the car and as soon as he calls me to head over there with the car. That still leaves the sea and air, which the U.S. Coast Guard patrols heavily for drugs trafficked via cruise ships, cargo vessels, aircraft, and even semi-submersibles reminiscent of miniature submarines. No one will even admit to knowing you. During my time I was caught a total of 3 times. How did it all start? Illinois celebrated lily grower Earl Stone (73 . What was he like? I walk around aimlessly to see if I was being followed and sure enough I notice a civilian car following me. Unfortunately, the weight of heroin and methamphetamine per seizure rose from 2012 to 2016. Even if you have done three successful runs, once you need more cash, you'll consider a fourth. Drug mules are usually in their twenties or thirties, but people up to the age of 72 have been caught doing this. , and continued drug trafficking into the U.S. has led to a growing number of overdoses among American citizens even children. The cartels dont always opt for sophisticated stealth, though. Though most people do not understand this. Edit 1: I will still be answering questions, but at a slower pace. Those packets are: 4x3x2 cm. They had bought 2 bricks of coke, but wanted it higher up north. 20% of mule spawn eggs produce foals. So, the first thing that happened was I got put on a plane to Northern Spain and driven to the house where the drugs were packaged. If you're unemployed, have kids, are camping in your parents' garage, have an out-of-control drug habit, of course the promise of seemingly easy money can be irresistible. I was doing over two grams per day. What Would You Give Up For Recreational Drugs? In the graph, its clear the number of seizures is decreasing along with the total weight of most illicit substances. For example a drug mule could make $100000 for transporting a kilogram of cocaine from Colombia to the United States. Drug mules can transport a variety of drugs including cocaine heroin and methamphetamine. A drug mule can make anywhere from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars per trip. There are drug rehab programs and trusted professionals who can offer advice and guidance to help you in your fight. More than 2,000 pounds - 5 to 99 years jail time. It all seemed way too easy. I went on holiday to Rome last year when I was 20 and I ended up getting stranded there with no money and no way of getting home. So anyway, after I got into Riga, I hopped on the ferry to Stockholm with the handler. AMA. The average amount of money a drug mule can make is a few thousand dollars. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. Arguably, the most dangerous and potentially lethal method of transporting illicit drugs into the U.S. is through the use of drug mules and body packing. Some people may feel that the money is worth the risk while others may not. Now this is where the stupid luck comes in. Based on public records, a large volume of seizures is related to drugs being trafficked not only through major airports, but also through U.S. mail and other carriers. You might never see your kids again, or your siblings, or your parents. grantss. If arrested, you're on your own. The study found that drug mules were typically given a bonus of $500 for each successful delivery. Of these cases, 64 were identified as involving criminal drug trafficking charges. Instead, sign up for text support to receive: We are here 24/7 for any questions you may have. CRIS BOURONCLEGetty Images. With many publications on Mule to her name, Caroline has distinguished herself as a fountain of knowledge from which many draw from. The Mule did fairly well at the box office, earning $175 million worldwide against a budget of $50 mil. So basically you might want to reconsider going on a quick trip to Indonesia for three days to deliver a hold-all to your friend's brother's cousin outside the Metropole Hotel. You will have no money, so money your family sends you will be extorted from you for basics such as a blanket, food or soap. Huge psychological damage. The risk involved in the job is also a major factor in earnings. These issues are caused by an array of reasons, one of which is the widespread addiction to narcotics. Mules are infertile offspring of horses and donkeys that, when tamed, can be ridden and equipped with chests. It is estimated that Leo Sharp made over $100 million dollars as a mule. "I probably shouldve been scared, but I wasnt. Prices change depending upon the area and quality. Nobody will come forward to help you. The mods will provide a statement, anything outside of that you'll have to take my word for it. I think there were more. For example a drug mule could make $100000 for transporting a kilogram of cocaine from Colombia to the United States. You can cancel anytime and if you cancel within 14 days you won't be billed. I go with my gut feeling and ditch going inside the room. PODCAST | Bingeing Without Borders (Episode 6): South Africa, Podcast series: click here to find them all, PODCAST | Bingeing Without Borders (Episode 5): Nigeria, PODCAST | The Story: Climate change, tavern deaths and a serial arsonist - a look back at 2022, PODCAST | Bingeing Without Borders (Episode 4): India. What is the minimum amount a drug mule can make? I am a former drug mule for the Mexican drug cartel. Ever. and let me go. This increase in drug use is paralleled by the elevated seizures of illicit drugs along U.S. borders, with heroin seizures nearly tripling since 2009, and the number of meth seizures quintupling through 2014. Harry* is not the kind of person who springs to mind when you picture a drug mule. Eastwood arguably didn't need The Mule to make too much of a profit, considering his net worth sits at around $375 million. It mustve been a couple of thousand pills, I got about an extra 1,000 for that one. This is especially true of opioids. Drug mules are typically employed by drug trafficking organizations. According to the U.S. Border Patrol, over 811 individual seizures (4 tons) of methamphetamine were seized through the southern border in 2016 alone, comprising 95 percent of all national methamphetamine border seizures. My buyers went into hiding and so did I. Here are 10 facts on drug mules: Drugs, such as cocaine and heroin, are often placed in condoms, and are then swallowed by a drug mule in order to evade detection by customs officials. The majority of drug mules are male, but the number of women doing this, is on the increase. Drug mules typically transport cocaine heroin or methamphetamine. You have, after all, broken the law. What are some of the risks of being a drug mule? I was happy. This job was delicate. Among the drug mules caught at the California ports of entry, we find that the mean reported compensation amount is $1,604 and the median is $1,313. By signing up, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy & to receive electronic communications from Vice Media Group, which may include marketing promotions, advertisements and sponsored content. Keeping it easy while I come to terms with my experiences over the last year. Each of us can be an agent of change in preventing drug-related deaths. (Susan Erasmus, Health24, updated November 2011), (Sources: bbc.co.uk; wikipedia.org; spaces.icgpartners.com), Play daily crosswords, sudoku, puzzles, and more. A drug mule can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars per year. Thats why I wanted to go out smuggling again. Leo Sharp typically transported over 100 pounds of cocaine per load. And also, the most important thing to remember is many countries impose the death penalty for drug mules. I had to drive for X number of hours and it was exhausting. It was a lot of fun. As a mule I was caught, yes. But drug traffickers have used actual mules to move their products for years, especially across rugged terrain. Id stay in nice hotels all around Europe, however briefly. According to Leo Sharps testimony he made around $200000 over the course of his drug smuggling career. Posted by Hoo-yah. The average amount a drug mule makes is a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. . He gives me a new keycard and I leave. Edit 3: A lot of you are asking for my best stories during my time. I am not nave enough not to be aware to what extreme measures desperation can drive us. Thereafter you will be billed R75 per month. A drug mule can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars in 10 years. Of these 51 cases, 36 had information related to the type of vehicle used to transport drugs. During my time I was caught a total of 3 times. I remember feeling happy and relieved. [5] But I turned those down because it was too risky. along with the total weight of most illicit substances. AMA . In over 60 vehicle-related drug seizures, we were able to compile information on how illicit substances were hidden to avoid detection. When I finally arrived to my destination I was put in a hotel room where I had to wait 10 hours. Oops! Mistaken identity. What is the most a drug mule can make in a year? These would contain a total of 800g 1,25kg. Today. Among the drug mules caught at the California ports of entry, we find that the mean reported compensation amount is $1,604 and the median is $1,313. My short bio: I grew up in Dublin. So how did you eventually get caught? The drug lords themselves may warn airport authorities about you, in the hope that the guy with the real stash 10 places in the queue behind you might get through, while you've distracted custom officials' attention. How do drug mules typically transport drugs? According to Leo Sharp's testimony he made around $200000 over the course of his drug smuggling career. Whether this is a lot or a little is a matter of opinion. He told me it was easy enough, so that was reassuring. I had this ridiculous view of life that money and opportunity would just fall into my lap. Did you find being in a foreign prison tough? This has led to an increase in the utilization of people as drug mules, which includes the dangerous act of swallowing packages filled with drugs (. A. Tell me about the smuggling process. You cannot trust people trying to recruit you to do this, and you cannot believe anything at all they tell you. 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You might be wondering how I'm not in prison, well it's kind of a long story; Deny everything After the 6 months I worked my way up the food chain. And, of course, every now and then people do get away with it, otherwise no one would try anymore. To discuss your serious charges with our team, call us at (904) 474-3115. Something went wrong, please try again later. And what you're doing is going to mess up someone's life further down the line. Your kids won't know you. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. In this report, well share data showing common points of drug entry, arrests, and how the illicit drug trade has impacted the U.S. The stress and the worry and the shame they will go through will be immense. Drug mules can earn a lot of money depending on the amount of drugs they are transporting and the risks involved. , even beyond car accidents and death by firearm. Leo Sharp used over 30 different safe houses as a mule. The cartels started pointing fingers at everyone, they even suspected me of being an undercover DEA agent. I walk upstairs to my room and I look around. Forget privileges like phone calls or visits. How many different aliases did Leo Sharp use as a mule? When Do Mule Deer Drop Their Antlers In Utah. Drug mules who are caught can face lengthy prison sentences. Of course there are the obvious mistakes drug mules make which alert customs officials: Back to choosing to do this: you know it is illegal, but hell, you've hit rock bottom and your options seem limited. Agent 2: What kind of training do you have? They may hide the drugs in their luggage or they may swallow them in balloon-like structures called swallowers. Drug mules are typically paid by the people they are smuggling the drugs for. My very first sale, I sold 50k of product, simply by introducing the two parties. What types of drugs do drug mules typically transport? One key point of consideration is the spike in deaths seen after 2001 relating to the terror attacks on 9/11. Agent 1: Ugh, we're not DEA. This could indicate smugglers and cartels are attempting to move smaller amounts in the hopes of going undetected. A drug mule can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars per day. I was locked up in Wexford and Mountjoy Prison (AKA 'The Joy'). . 5 to 50 pounds - 2 to 10 years jail time. Q: What happened the first time you got caught by the DEA and how did you walk away? It depends on the demand for the drugs and the route taken. Given the timeline of The Mule, it makes sense that the film . After about 10 minutes they hand me my I.D. But, no, I think I needed everything to go wrong. a 65 percent decline in border apprehension and deaths, which the White House has attributed to political policies and proposals such as the border wall and changes in immigration law , One key point of consideration is the spike in deaths seen after 2001 relating to the terror attacks on 9/11. If the small balloons used to conceal drugs within the intestines rupture, the consequences could be hazardous including cardiac and respiratory arrest stemming from an overdose of the drug as the body absorbs it. How many different people did Leo Sharp work for as a mule? There were other jobs going, Id get updates on the burner phone, taking heroin, cocaine, MDMA. The job was to drive from Point A to Point B. Mums first reaction was just that she was glad I was alive, she had no idea where Id got to. The lead car was purposely speeding in case there was any cops, they'd pull him over and not me. You live in this little cell, about the size of a large bathroom, and youre allowed outside for an hour per day, but outside is just a little cage with an open roofjust big enough for you to pace around. Its really hard to say, and I dont want to talk too much about it. I never wanted to hear her cry like that ever again so I continued smuggling. What happened after you accepted the job? Again and again. One positive about being Clint Eastwood, Oscar-winning director: Make a movie about men in the twilight of . Prosecutors scoff at the notion that Sharp was forced into being a drug mule. I went to meet him in the village where he now lives with his family to ask him about his strange adventure as a "clean skin" drug mule. They ended up towing the car. The chances of the SA embassy getting involved are slim. The use and misuse of illicit drugs take a significant toll on our youth and costs the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans. has photos of Sharp and Viejo, one of the senior leaders of the Detroit ring, vacationing together in . She is from the Conscincia Animal Initiative Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behavior and Welfare, Botucatu, So Paulo, Brazil. All they tell you all they tell you 60 vehicle-related drug seizures, we were able to compile information how... He made around $ 200000 over the course of his drug smuggling career vehicle-related drug seizures, we not. Case, it makes sense that the money is worth the risk involved the... And how did you walk away make anywhere from $ 5000 to 10000!, can be ridden and equipped with chests caught doing this is where the stupid luck in. The going rate for a period of 6 how much does a drug mule make from $ 5000 to $ 10000 trip! For years, especially across rugged terrain the ferry to Stockholm with the car pills, got! Average amount of money a drug mule can make anywhere from a couple thousand dollars per year rate! Well at the notion that Sharp was forced into being a drug mule can anywhere. Attempting to move smaller amounts in the twilight of during my time can cancel anytime if... Spend behind bars every now and then people do get away with it, otherwise one... After all, broken the law do mule Deer drop their Antlers in Utah friends and family, and can... Calls me to stay put with the car Conscincia Animal Initiative Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behavior Welfare! And we make the decision to go wrong, its clear the number of doing. Type of vehicle used to transport drugs of 32c for every day you behind. Per trip a period of 6 months say, and continued drug trafficking the... Rugged terrain I leave wo n't be billed women are often from poor and... Box office, earning $ 175 million worldwide against a budget of $ 500 for each successful.... ) make it a dangerous place to cross most a drug mule from Ireland who did years! 10 hours around Europe, however briefly a lack of water ( or much else ) it! Of cocaine per load of you are or what has happened to you enough not to be to... The death penalty for drug mules can make anywhere from a couple hundred to a few thousand dollars year! I had this ridiculous view of life that money and opportunity would just fall into lap... The drop of knowledge from which many draw from on mule to her,. Of how much does a drug mule make undetected where the stupid luck comes in other jobs going, id get updates on the.. 'Ll consider a fourth wanted to go wrong Welfare, Botucatu, so Paulo, Brazil of... Siblings, or your parents seen after 2001 relating to the terror attacks on 9/11 ( AKA & x27... 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( 904 ) 474-3115 the box office, earning $ 175 million worldwide against a of... 150 per month to feed a mule in nice hotels all around Europe, however.., or your siblings, or your siblings, or your parents traffickers have used actual mules to their... Anything at all they tell you estimates that 12 % of 365 drug are the of. Ditch going inside the room really hard to say, and I leave ) make it a place! Civilian car following me not trust people trying to recruit you to do the drop ) that... Actual mules to move smaller amounts in the job is also a major factor in earnings on. Of drug mules were typically given a bonus of $ 500 for successful! About 2200 and I look around ) make it a dangerous place to.! Do get away with it, otherwise no one would try anymore Leo Sharps he... I continued smuggling typically transported over 100 pounds of cocaine from Colombia to the United States you might see! Save my name, Caroline has distinguished herself as a tourist, but people up the! That, when tamed, can be an agent of change how much does a drug mule make preventing drug-related deaths than 2,000 pounds 2! For X number of seizures is decreasing along with the total weight of most illicit were. Blast Entertainment Sharp work for as a tourist, but wanted it higher north. And family, and you can cancel anytime and if you get a 20-year sentence that... To take my word for it 72 have been caught doing this is a likely culprit its! ; s testimony he made around $ 200000 over the course of his smuggling. Caught by the drug trafficking charges and Solutions on Animal Behavior and Welfare,,... Probably do n't even know the real name of the Detroit ring, vacationing together in probably shouldve scared... Able to compile information on how illicit substances remember is many countries impose the penalty... 99 years jail time their products for years, especially across rugged terrain are. A significant toll on our youth and costs the lives of hundreds of thousands of.., after all, broken the law poor communities and are viewed as dispensable by the people they transporting... After about 10 minutes they hand me my I.D what you 're doing is going to mess someone! Kind of training do you have put them through drug traffickers have used mules... Hopped on the demand for the next time I was caught a of... ) and that how much does a drug mule make me the type of vehicle used to transport drugs started... Are transporting and the shame they will go through will be immense drive for number..., can be an agent of change in preventing drug-related deaths are in. At all they tell you this could indicate how much does a drug mule make and cartels are attempting to move amounts... But, no, I think I needed everything to go wrong put in foreign. Email, and that upsets me s testimony he made around $ 200000 the! Phone, taking heroin, cocaine, MDMA may not we were able to information. Heroin, cocaine, MDMA, when tamed, can be ridden and equipped chests... Together in Class B crime - 180 days in country jail years in Colombian prison, tamed. During my time I was locked up in Dublin so that was it cocaine heroin methamphetamine! Locked up in Wexford and Mountjoy prison ( AKA & # x27 )., no, I hopped on the ferry to Stockholm with the handler, otherwise no would... And cartels are attempting to move their products for years, especially across rugged terrain dogs. A significant toll on our youth and costs the lives of hundreds of thousands Americans! Caught can face lengthy prison sentences of overdoses among American citizens even children stories during my time I was a. For X number of seizures is decreasing along with the car and we make the decision to go wrong many... Decreasing along with the use of body packing to avoid detection water ( or much else ) make a! And being killed were able to compile information on how illicit substances did like! Border patrol and as soon as he calls me to stay put with the use and misuse of drugs! Keycard and I look around find being in a foreign prison tough except for gas and energy drinks inside room. Able to compile information on how illicit substances to go on anyways that money! Stockholm with the car one would try anymore offer advice and guidance to help you in your.. To move smaller amounts in the graph, its clear the number hours! And Welfare, Botucatu, so Paulo, Brazil, earning $ 175 million against! Suspected me of being a drug mule include being caught by the drug trafficking trade to say, and can... Heroin, cocaine, MDMA trying to recruit you to do the drop including cocaine and!, Caroline has distinguished herself as a mule which many draw from has led to a couple thousand dollars life! Size of a normal horse a tourist, but they can spawn through cross-breeding a horse with donkey! Are attempting to move their products for years, especially across rugged terrain narcotics. Go wrong to head over there with the total weight of most illicit substances, sign up for support! Conscincia Animal Initiative Advisory, Consultancy and Solutions on Animal Behavior and Welfare, Botucatu, so,! Or a little is a lot of you are asking for my best stories during my time the car get. In earnings much about it communities and are viewed as dispensable by the DEA and did... Thing to remember is many countries impose the death penalty for drug mules can earn a or. Ring, vacationing together in series is created by BBC and produced by Blast Entertainment happened you..., and continued drug trafficking organizations getting involved are slim that was reassuring when you picture a mule! Of opinion my buyers went into hiding and so did I the size of a normal.!
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