La Barbie "Gringo Kingpin"

Yukon242

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Nov 3, 2025
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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
 
He didn’t get to be the Jefe for to long.

I’m sure he climbed to the top because he was extremely cunning and ruthless.
 
What happened to the other three guys in the video? Is there a video of them as well if they were excited too?
 
He didn’t get to be the Jefe for to long.

I’m sure he climbed to the top because he was extremely cunning and ruthless.
They all sure seem to share that trait.

Explains why the execution videos get more violent and bizarre—because they’re all trying to outdo each other.

JL75
 
What happened to the other three guys in the video? Is there a video of them as well if they were excited too?
They were definitely killed. The strange thing is that you would have thought they would have recorded that too. It’s possible those three were promising money for their freedom and Barbie was planning on getting the money and then killing them.
 
They were definitely killed. The strange thing is that you would have thought they would have recorded that too. It’s possible those three were promising money for their freedom and Barbie was planning on getting the money and then killing them.
There probably is video of the murders, but this occurred right before “smartphones” became “a thing”.

Always remember: there is “NO HONOR among thieves.”

JL75
 
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