Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo: The Rise & Fall Of "El Padrino"
Have you ever wondered how one man could rise from a police officer to become the most powerful drug lord in Mexico? Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, "El Padrino" (The Godfather), did just that, and his story is a gripping tale of ambition, power, and ultimate downfall.
Born in Culiacán, Sinaloa, on January 8, 1946, Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo's journey began far from the opulent world of drug cartels. After completing his education, he joined the Sinaloa State Police, a seemingly ordinary start for a man who would later be known as "El Jefe de Jefes" (The Boss of Bosses). His career took an interesting turn when he became the bodyguard of Leopoldo Sánchez Celis, the then-governor of Sinaloa. This position provided him with invaluable connections and insights into the inner workings of power, setting the stage for his future endeavors. By the 1970s and 80s, Félix Gallardo had ascended to become the most powerful drug trafficker in Mexico, a reign fueled by strategic alliances and ruthless ambition.
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo |
| Aliases | El Padrino (The Godfather), El Jefe de Jefes (The Boss of Bosses) |
| Date of Birth | January 8, 1946 |
| Place of Birth | Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico |
| Nationality | Mexican |
| Early Career | Sinaloa State Police Trooper, Bodyguard to Governor Leopoldo Sánchez Celis |
| Criminal Career | Founder of the Guadalajara Cartel, Drug Trafficker |
| Peak of Power | 1970s-1980s, as the most powerful drug trafficker in Mexico |
| Cartel Founded | Guadalajara Cartel (Cartel de Guadalajara) |
| Connections | Linked to Colombian cartels during the rise of the cocaine trade |
| Arrest | Arrested in 1989 |
| Conviction | Convicted of the murder of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena and other crimes |
| Current Status | In prison, serving a 37-year sentence |
| Prison | Puente Grande State Prison (formerly), Altiplano Maximum Security Prison |
| Denials | Maintains innocence regarding the murder of Enrique Camarena |
| Health | Suffering from deteriorating health; briefly granted house arrest |
| Legacy | Considered the founder of the modern Mexican drug trade |
| Further Information | Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo - Britannica |
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