Dark Alliance

1. CIA's Complicity in Contra Cocaine Trafficking

This story challenges the moral authority of our government.

Moral bankruptcy. The book reveals a disturbing alliance between the CIA and drug traffickers to fund the Contra war in Nicaragua, exposing a profound betrayal of American values and a willingness to sacrifice communities for political gain. The CIA, driven by its anti-communist agenda, turned a blind eye to the drug trafficking activities of its Contra allies, effectively becoming complicit in the flow of cocaine into the United States.

Evidence of complicity:

• Direct links between drug dealers and the Contras uncovered by the Kerry Committee.
• CIA's knowledge of drug trafficking within Contra ranks, yet failing to act.
• The Justice Department stonewalling investigations into Contra drug connections.

Erosion of trust. This alliance undermined the moral authority of the U.S. government, particularly within African American communities, who bore the brunt of the crack epidemic. The revelations fueled distrust and resentment towards government institutions, creating a lasting legacy of cynicism and disillusionment.

2. The Crack Epidemic's Devastating Impact on Black Communities

[It is an] issue that feels like a dagger in the heart of African Americans.

Targeted destruction. The crack cocaine explosion disproportionately affected African American communities, leading to widespread addiction, violence, and social disintegration. The influx of cheap, smokable cocaine created a cycle of poverty and despair, decimating families and eroding the social fabric of already marginalized neighborhoods.

Consequences of the epidemic:

• Skyrocketing crime rates and gang violence
• Overburdened healthcare and social services
• Mass incarceration and broken families
• Long-term economic and social devastation

Sacrifice for political gain. The book argues that the government's complicity in Contra drug trafficking effectively sacrificed black communities on the altar of Cold War politics. The pursuit of geopolitical objectives took precedence over the well-being and safety of American citizens, resulting in a tragic and avoidable catastrophe.

3. The Key Players: Blandón, Meneses, and Ross

A copiously researched tale of how two Nicaraguan drug dealers with connections to the CIA-backed contra army moved tons of drugs into Los Angeles.

Interconnected fates. The story revolves around three central figures: Danilo Blandón, Norwin Meneses, and Ricky Ross, each playing a crucial role in the Contra-cocaine pipeline. Their intertwined fates illustrate the complex web of connections between drug trafficking, political intrigue, and personal ambition.

Character breakdown:

• Danilo Blandón: A Nicaraguan exile who became a key figure in the L.A. cocaine trade, funneling drug profits to the Contras.
• Norwin Meneses: A Nicaraguan drug lord with long-standing ties to the Somoza regime and the CIA, serving as Blandón's mentor and supplier.
• Ricky Ross: A street-smart L.A. teenager who rose to become one of the biggest crack dealers in the country, fueled by the cheap cocaine supplied by Blandón and Meneses.

Unlikely alliance. The convergence of these individuals from vastly different backgrounds highlights the opportunistic nature of the drug trade and the willingness of individuals to cross moral and ethical boundaries for personal gain.

4. The Government's Blind Eye and Active Protection

They were looking in the other direction.

Deliberate inaction. The book reveals a pattern of deliberate inaction and active protection by U.S. government agencies towards Contra-linked drug traffickers. Despite mounting evidence of their involvement in cocaine smuggling, these individuals were allowed to operate with impunity, shielded from prosecution and deportation.

Methods of protection:

• Stonewalling investigations and withholding information
• Refusing to prosecute known drug traffickers
• Providing visas and safe passage to suspected criminals
• Discrediting and silencing those who attempted to expose the truth

Prioritizing politics over justice. This protection stemmed from a prioritization of political objectives over the rule of law, demonstrating a willingness to sacrifice justice and public safety for the sake of Cold War strategy.

5. The Power of the Internet to Expose Truth

It may be the most significant news story you've never heard.

Democratization of information. The "Dark Alliance" series marked a turning point in journalism, demonstrating the power of the Internet to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and disseminate information directly to the public. The Mercury News's decision to publish its evidence online empowered readers to assess the story for themselves, fostering a new level of transparency and accountability.

Impact of the Web:

• Bypassing traditional media gatekeepers
• Providing access to primary source documents
• Empowering readers to assess the evidence
• Fostering a global conversation about the story

Challenging the status quo. The series's success on the Internet challenged the established media's control over the narrative, forcing them to address the story and confront the allegations of government complicity.

6. The Media's Role in Obfuscation and Control

Every government is run by liars and nothing they say should be believed.

Gatekeeping and suppression. The book exposes the role of mainstream media outlets in suppressing and discrediting stories that challenged the official narrative of the Contra war. Major newspapers, including the Washington Post, New York Times, and Los Angeles Times, actively worked to downplay or dismiss allegations of Contra drug trafficking, protecting the government from scrutiny and accountability.

Tactics of suppression:

• Ignoring or burying stories that challenged the official narrative
• Discrediting sources and attacking their credibility
• Relying on unnamed sources and government denials
• Promoting alternative narratives that downplayed or dismissed the allegations

Maintaining the status quo. This media complicity served to protect the interests of powerful institutions and maintain the status quo, reinforcing the public's trust in government and suppressing dissent.

7. The Cycle of Betrayal and Destruction

This book was written for them, so that they may know upon what altars their communities were sacrificed.

Tragic consequences. The story of "Dark Alliance" is a cycle of betrayal and destruction, beginning with the CIA's alliance with drug traffickers and culminating in the devastation of black communities. The pursuit of political objectives led to the sacrifice of human lives and the erosion of trust in government institutions.

Key elements of the cycle:

• CIA's alliance with drug traffickers to fund the Contras
• Influx of cheap cocaine into black communities
• Crack epidemic and its devastating consequences
• Government's failure to address the crisis and protect its citizens

A call for accountability. The book serves as a powerful indictment of government misconduct and a call for accountability, urging readers to demand transparency and justice from their elected officials.

8. The Contras' Desperate Need for Funding

We bust our ass and the government's involved.

Financial desperation. The Contras, facing funding cuts from the U.S. government, turned to drug trafficking as a means of survival. This desperation led them to forge alliances with criminal organizations and engage in activities that directly contradicted their stated goals of fighting communism and promoting democracy.

Sources of funding:

• U.S. government aid (prior to the Boland Amendment)
• Private donations from anti-communist groups
• Drug trafficking and other criminal activities

The ends justify the means. The Contras' willingness to engage in drug trafficking highlights the corrupting influence of power and the dangerous consequences of prioritizing political objectives over ethical considerations.

9. The Murky World of Covert Operations

It was like they didn't want to know.

Secrecy and deniability. The book provides a glimpse into the murky world of covert operations, where secrecy and deniability are paramount. The CIA's involvement in the Contra war was shrouded in secrecy, allowing the agency to operate with little oversight or accountability.

Characteristics of covert operations:

• Use of proxy forces and third-party actors
• Disinformation and propaganda campaigns
• Illegal activities and ethical compromises
• Lack of transparency and accountability

Erosion of democratic principles. This culture of secrecy undermines democratic principles and allows government agencies to operate outside the bounds of the law, potentially leading to abuses of power and violations of human rights.

10. The Price of Silence and the Pursuit of Truth

Gary Webb brought back before the American public one of the darkest secrets of the 1980s—the cocaine smuggling by the Nicaraguan contra forces—and paid for this service with his job.

Personal sacrifice. Gary Webb's pursuit of the truth came at a great personal cost, as he faced intense scrutiny, professional ostracism, and ultimately, the loss of his career. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the risks associated with challenging powerful institutions and exposing uncomfortable truths.

The importance of courage. Despite the challenges he faced, Webb's courage and determination to uncover the truth serve as an inspiration to journalists and citizens alike. His work reminds us of the importance of holding power accountable and demanding transparency from our government.

A legacy of truth. Though Webb's career was cut short, his legacy lives on through his reporting and the ongoing debate about the CIA's role in the Contra war and the crack epidemic. His work continues to challenge the official narrative and inspire others to seek the truth, no matter the cost.

Last updated: March 3, 2025