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After Escobar
Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History
By Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell
With Jessica Balboni
Published by Post Hill Press
Distributed by Simon & Schuster
Table of Contents
About The Book
Renowned DEA agents Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell tell the incredible true story of how they helped dismantle the world’s single most powerful crime syndicate, as featured in Season 3 of the hit Netflix series Narcos.
By the early 1990s, Colombia’s Cali cartel had become what the former head of the DEA Thomas Constantine referred to as “The biggest and most powerful crime syndicate in history.” 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. Not any easy job for two men who looked more like tall, lanky surfers than DEA agents: standing well over six feet tall and only six years removed from the DEA Academy, they were the epitome of conspicuous 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.
By the early 1990s, Colombia’s Cali cartel had become what the former head of the DEA Thomas Constantine referred to as “The biggest and most powerful crime syndicate in history.” 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. Not any easy job for two men who looked more like tall, lanky surfers than DEA agents: standing well over six feet tall and only six years removed from the DEA Academy, they were the epitome of conspicuous 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.
Product Details
- Publisher: Post Hill Press (June 24, 2025)
- Length: 352 pages
- ISBN13: 9798888453964
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Raves and Reviews
After Escobar is a high-octane thriller I couldn’t put down! This incredible, first-hand account about bringing down the infamous Cali cartel reads like a Tom Clancy novel, except this story is 100% true.
– Derek S. Maltz, Acting DEA Administrator
"Learn the truth about how elite DEA operators Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell risked their lives on a daily basis, battled systemic corruption, and overcame numerous challenges to help dismantle the infamous Cali mafia. This epic adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a must-read for anyone one who loves True Crime stories!"
– Steve Murphy, Retired DEA Special Agent in Charge and co-author of Manhunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar
"After Escobar is an absolute must read for anyone with an interest in the drug war and Colombian cartels—wow, what a page turner! Straight out of a Hollywood movie. The most detailed first-hand account I have ever read regarding the take down of the Cali cartel. Well done, warriors!"
– Dave Gaddis, Former DEA Chief of Global Enforcement Operations and author of The Noble Experiment.
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- Book Cover Image (jpg): After Escobar Trade Paperback 9798888453964
