How does a small-time American weed dealer end up working side-by-side with one of the most powerful drug cartels in the world? In this gripping interview, we dive deep into the true story of Jon Mullins, an American who went from hustling marijuana in the U.S. to becoming a trusted lieutenant for the notorious Sinaloa Cartel. He shares raw, first-hand accounts of drug smuggling operations, life inside the cartel, run-ins with law enforcement, and the high-stakes world of cross-border trafficking. From near-death experiences to life behind bars, nothing is held back. Hit up Jon if you need solar in the Tucson, AZ area! https://www.facebook.com/people/JM-Solar-Energy-Efficient-Home-Solutions/61553962503275/ This Episode Is #Sponsored By DeleteMe! Remove your personal information from the web at https://JoinDeleteMe.com/CONNECT and use code CONNECT for 20% off DeleteMe international Plans: https://international.joindeleteme.com Join The Patreon For Bonus Content! https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow 00:00 Cartel Violence & Interview Intro 01:22 Early Life in Ohio & High School Hustles 02:55 Steroid Smuggling Beginnings 03:51 How the Steroid Trade Worked 06:06 Getting Steroids Over the Border 07:31 Scaling Up: European Mafia Connections 10:45 Steroid Importing Logistics & Risk 13:33 Running a Car Lot & Hiding Profits 15:38 The Weed Game Takes Off 19:33 Drug Smuggling Logistics and Risks 25:03 Finding New Connects in Mexico 27:08 Cross-Border Operations & Logistics 32:22 Today's Sponsor 34:44 Working with the Cartels: Chapo Era 37:58 How Smuggling Operations Expanded 41:53 Checkpoint Runs & Hiding Methods 46:33 Managing Crews, Logistics & Losses 50:01 Growing Risks: Jackers & Internal Threats 54:12 Cartel Politics and Local Mafias 56:29 The Drug Business as War & Business 01:00:28 Operation Expansion & Escalation 01:05:12 The Fight Between Cartel Factions 01:12:04 Navigating Cartel Wars in Nogales 01:18:25 Surviving Mexico's Cartel Chaos 01:26:12 Retirement & Decline of the Old Market 01:33:44 Getting Busted: Arrests, Identity Switches & Court 01:37:32 Doing Time: Prison Life & Cartel Fallout 01:41:11 Rebuilding Life: Release & Legit Businesses 01:47:48 Life After Prison & Lessons Learned 01:53:32 State of Mexico & Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices