La Barbie "Gringo Kingpin"

Yukon242

Staff member
11/3/25
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Id like to discuss Edgar Valdez Villareal. Id also like for anyone reading this to share any anecdotes or opinions relating to him.

I wont be doing a thorough breakdown of his history, if you arent too familiar with him or would appreciate a good refresher read, definetly check out Mica's brilliant article here [URL='https://www.borderlandbeat.com/2023/01/an-american-drug-lord-in-acapulco.html']Here[/URL]

Like Edgar, I was born in Texas, had a decent upbringing, and played football in high school. Yet he managed to go on to become a feared and powerful capo within the organization of the BLO, led by the "jefe de jefe", Arturo Beltran Levya. Will have to do another thread on him.

Anyways, back to La Barbie. He was surprisingly resilient given his boldness. Long before it was common, he not only recorded his own interrogation and execution video but had the gall to send the video to the Dallas Morning News. Formally sought on both sides of the border, he managed several daring escapes before finally got locked up at age 38. He claimed to have vast amounts of dirt on politicians. It has been alleged he aided the govt and put a tracker in a pair of boots gifted to Arturo. After his extradition, things have been relatively, perhaps mysteriously quiet with his status.

What all did he know about the depths of Cartel politics, to what extent has he cooperated, and is there or will there ever be another narco like him?
 
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He is interesting in that--as a "gringo"--he rose to the position he reached within the B.L. Cartel.

Re: "Dirt on politicians"--that might be one reason why he's still breathing. Politicians are politicians because they're inherently compromised.

You beat me to the punch--there hasn't been much news about him in quite awhile. The last bit of news I remember seeing was that a screenplay was being written about his life and escapades--allegedly, actor Armie Hammer was to play him, but this was over five years ago/pre COVID.

JL75