After Escobar: Taking Down the Notorious Cali Godfathers and the Biggest Drug Cartel in History

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.

About the Author :
Chris Feistl was a DEA Special Agent for twenty-six years, serving in diverse assignments throughout the US as well as twelve years in Colombia, South America, where he investigated major drug cartels that were supplying tons of cocaine and heroin destined for the US. Starting as a new agent in Miami, he finished his career as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge in Phoenix in 2014. Chris has been a frequent guest on television documentaries and true crime podcasts regarding the Cali cartel. He was portrayed in eighty episodes of a Spanish-language series entitled En la Boca del Lobo, as well as in Season 3 of Netflix’s hit series Narcos. He has also appeared in several other television projects, shows, and radio programs. Chris has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the DEA Administrator’s Award of Honor (DEA’s highest honor), and four Distinguished Service Medals from the Colombian government. Dave Mitchell is a retired DEA Special Agent with thirty-three years of service, where he played a crucial role in numerous high-profile cases targeting major drug cartels, including the Cali cartel. He began his career in Miami during the era of the Miami Cocaine Cowboys, and later conducted cocaine interdiction operations in the jungles of South America and led drug investigations throughout South Florida, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe. He retired in December 2020 after receiving numerous awards, including the DEA’s highest award, the Administrator’s Award of Honor, and two Distinguished Service Medals from the Colombian government. Dave currently resides in the Fort Lauderdale area and owns ClearPath Investigative Solutions, LLC, which provides investigative services and personal protection to a select group of high-profile clients. Jessica Balboni is a Boston-based writer and editor with a diverse background in media that spans artistic, academic, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, including roles held with the Food Network, The Rockefeller Foundation, and ESPN.

Review :
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. "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!" "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!"