Atlanta Is Becoming The Trashy, Less Flashy Version Of Miami Where Drug Distribution Is Concerned

Atlanta is quick becoming the new “Miami Vice,” except with less hot and sexy rolled-up jackets. The city is becoming a major distribution center for drugs coming in from Mexico, much like Miami was for Colombia back in the late 1970s and 80s. 

The difference now is that drug cartels have learned from the demise of the “Cocaine Cowboys” in Miami and don less flashy clothes, expensive cars and big homes. Their goal is not to stand out but, rather, blend in with their surroundings. 

Explains Jack Killorin, director of Atlanta’s High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area unit:

I believe that the Mexican cartels, in taking over the distribution of narcotics and cocaine into the United States, learned some lessons from the Colombians.

One of the lessons they learned is that living a big and visible lifestyle is certainly the way to get a lot of law enforcement to pay a lot of attention to you.

Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t play along at home by dressing the part. Another reason drug cartels have been able to successfully set up shop in Hotlanta is the fact the locals kind of don’t give a shit The BBC interviewed Young People who seemed less than concerned. Says one:

 You’re feeding me this Miami Vice-style drama about how I should be terrified of these Mexican cartel guys that are coming to America. Guess what? Drugs exist. Put the money into helping the addicts instead.

That’s true. Don’t attempt to address the root of the problem. Says another:

I’m more afraid of someone being drunk and driving and killing me on the highway that I am of some Mexican drug lord.

Maybe it’s because we actually are from Miami and know lots of people who are from Mexico, but the thought of drug cartels increasing their presence in our city would have / has us terrified. Maimings? Kidnappings? Gun shoot outs at your local (Dadeland) mall? Damn, Atlanta. We’d be scared.

Atlanta Vice: A new US drugs hub? [BBC]