Today it is unachievable to recognize Juan Carlos Ramírez Abadía. Just on the day that a film like Emilia Reyes has just received 10 Golden Globe nominations, the drug trafficker Ramírez Abadía has just walked free. What does one thing have to do with the other? The French film tells the story of a Mexican drug trafficker who needs to leave and, in order to do so, has to undergo a series of cosmetic operations to become a woman. Ramírez, known as Chupeta, underwent twelve surgeries to become a different person. And so he fled to Brazil to live another life. But they caught him there.
No, unlike most bad guys, he was born in a golden cradle. He was the youngest of five brothers from a wealthy family in Palmyra. Even though there was nothing wrong with his nickname, they called him Chupeta as he was a sweet man. However, when it came to doing business he was a man of fear. So much so that from a young age, back in the nineties, an empire was accumulated that was visible to gringos. This is how his frist sentence came to him. With the help of his mentors,the brothers Gilberto and Miguel Rodríguez Orejuela,he accumulated a fortune of 1.8 billion dollars. It was 1994, Pablo Escobar had fallen and he was one of the enemies of the Medellín Cartel boss who took over his ways. In 1996 he was sentenced to 30 years in prison but only served four.
When he was free, he went to Brazil, transformed his face and literally disappeared. Compare two photos and see. They will not recognize him. The jaw is wider. The chin is split. The most prominent cheeks. In a period of twenty years he filled the United States with coca: 10 thousand tons. He was one of the greatest men in the world. If he hadn’t been caught before, it was as of his ability to corrupt the entire power structure, from ordinary people to DEA agents. Among his contacts were mexicans who grew up under the shadow of the big bosses. one of them was besides Chapo Guzmán.
But the sweetness that Chupeta had, apparently, was spoiled by the rush of his ambition and the war. 300 deaths are attributed, including the destruction of the family of his enemy, the drug trafficker Victor Patiño Fomeque, who killed 35 relatives just for carrying his blood.
They caught him in São Paulo, on August 7, 2007.he was at home in Morada do Lagos, an exclusive sector of that city. He had 300 thousand dollars, in cash, at the time of his arrest. His excesses betrayed him. He had 16 companies and 28 houses in São Paulo alone. In Cali they found a cache where he kept up to 28 million dollars in cash. The weasels managed to eat two million dollars. In Cali this amount of money found turned him into a myth. Everyone was looking for treasures in the most unexpected places in Cali.
Chupeta’s testimony was necessary to convict Chapo Guzmán,who was his partner and disciple. In August 2023,the Brooklyn Court in New York sentenced him to twenty years in prison.These began to be counted in 2008. So, with the reduced sentences, he was allowed to be released on December 9. It is not known if Chupeta will return to Cali for his gold and dollar treasures. the truth is, despite his record, he paid too little. In the end he got his way.
How does teh media portrayal of drug traffickers, like in the film “Emilia Reyes,” affect public perception and policy discussions?
Time.news Interview: Unpacking the Release of Juan Carlos Ramírez Abadía
Editor: Welcome to Time.news, where we dissect current events with expert insights. Today, the spotlight is on Juan Carlos Ramírez Abadía, also known as “Chupeta,” who has recently been released from prison after a controversial history linked to the dark world of drug trafficking. Joining me is Dr. Ana Martinez,a criminologist specializing in drug trafficking and its societal implications. Welcome, Dr. Martinez.
dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: Chupeta was instrumental in the drug trade and is implicated in the deaths of over 300 people. Given his notoriety, how do you see his release impacting the conversation around drug trafficking in both Colombia and the larger international community?
Dr. Martinez: His release is significant and quite alarming. It sends a mixed message about accountability and justice. For many, it underscores the persistent challenges in combating drug trafficking and highlights how individuals like Ramírez can exploit legal systems. His return to society after such a violent history raises concerns about the message it sends to young people and potential traffickers.
Editor: Interestingly, his release coincides with the acclaim of the film emilia Reyes, which portrays a similar narrative of a Mexican drug trafficker undergoing extreme measures to escape his fate. Do you think this kind of media portrayal influences public perception of drug traffickers?
Dr. Martinez: Absolutely. Media representations play a powerful role in shaping narratives around crime and criminals.While the film is fictional, it draws attention to the lengths individuals will go to in order to evade justice. It glorifies the rebellious aspects of drug culture while frequently enough downplaying the harsh realities and consequences. When audiences see these characters romanticized, it could alter the perception, potentially glamorizing a lifestyle that is brutal and destructive.
Editor: How might law enforcement and policymakers respond to such narratives? Should there be a reevaluation of how they approach the portrayal of drug crimes in media?
Dr. Martinez: Yes, there needs to be a comprehensive approach to this issue. Law enforcement and policymakers must consider media influence when designing prevention and intervention strategies. This could involve collaborating with filmmakers to ensure a more realistic portrayal of the drug trade’s consequences. Additionally, educational programs must be developed to counteract glorified narratives and provide young people with a more accurate understanding of the impacts of drug trafficking.
Editor: Chupeta’s case also raises questions about the legal system itself.many wonder how someone with such a violent background can regain freedom. What are your thoughts on the legal mechanisms at play here?
Dr. Martinez: The legal complexities surrounding drug trafficking cases are often convoluted. Many traffickers like Ramírez negotiate plea deals, which can significantly reduce sentences in exchange for cooperation with authorities. However, this sometimes leads to public outrage when individuals with such severe offenses are released. It’s essential for the justice system to strike a balance between punishment and the potential for rehabilitation, but cases like these can certainly erode public trust and lead to calls for reform.
Editor: As we conclude,Dr. Martinez, what message do you think this situation sends to both those involved in drug trafficking and the general public?
Dr. Martinez: The overarching message is that the fight against drug trafficking continues to be a complex battle. For those involved in the trade, it may signal that there are loopholes to exploit. For the public, it highlights the necessity of vigilance and critical thinking about media portrayals and the realities of crime. Awareness and education are key to fostering a more informed society that understands the intricacies of drug trafficking and its broader implications.
Editor: Thank you, Dr.Martinez, for your insights on this pressing issue. It’s an ongoing conversation, and your expertise sheds light on the implications of chupeta’s release in our society.
Dr. Martinez: Thank you for having me. It’s imperative we keep discussing these topics as they evolve.
Editor: And thank you to our audience for tuning in. We’ll continue to cover developments in this story. Stay informed with Time.news.
