Who is graciela blanco

She became involved in the cartel, working to push cocaine from Colombia into the U. In the mids, Blanco and Bravo moved to New York to set up their cocaine business. During what they called Operation Banshee , they busted Blanco after intercepting a shipment of kilos of cocaine. Blanco was indicted on federal drug conspiracy charges, but she fled back to Colombia before authorities could arrest her.

A few years later, Blanco returned to the U. Blanco became the Godmother of the cocaine industry; her network spread across the U. Blanco created many of the smuggling techniques and murdering methods that are still used today. Members of the cartel were able to smuggle large quantities of cocaine across the border using special undergarments that Blanco had presumably designed and manufactured.

In the mids, Blanco left Colombia for New York. By this time, the infamous drug trafficker was running a massive narcotics ring, her standing in the industry rising to a level that would match other kingpins like Pablo Escobar. However, the U. Blanco had already fled to Colombia by that point, but it wasn't long before she returned to the United States, this time settling in Miami. Throughout her time in the United States, Blanco's continued involvement in the Colombian drug trade led to her participation in several other crimes, including driveby shootings and other murders motivated by drugs, money and power.

By the late s, detectives had linked her to dozens of murders, including a drug-rival shooting in a Miami liquor store, but she always managed to evade authorities. In the s, Blanco was living comfortably in a newly purchased home in Miami. By this time, the infamous drug trafficker had become a millionaire, and had taken on various nicknames, including the "Godmother," "Queen of Cocaine" and "Black Widow. Blanco's trial, which began in New York in June , ended with a conviction on one count of conspiracy to manufacture, import into the United States, and distribute cocaine.

Despite being accused of several Florida slayings, she escaped murder charges, and was sentenced to 15 years behind bars. In , Blanco, now a federal prison inmate, was transported back to Miami on three murder charges.

In a strange turn of events, however, the case was thrown out: The star witness in the case, a former hitman for Blanco named Jorge "Rivi" Ayala, had become romantically involved with a secretary in the Florida State Attorney's Office, causing prosecutors to worry about the credibility of Ayala's testimony on the stand.

Some speculated that Ayala botched the case on purpose, fearing that he could be killed by members of Blanco's cartel if he testified. I Support Learn More. Latest Stories. Injustice for Ollie? By Michael Majchrowicz Nov 11, More ». Sign Up Now No Thanks. Become a member and go ad-free! Support Our Journalism. Privacy Policy. This Week's Issue. Do Not Sell My Info.