PBD Podcast Pablo Escobar's Drug Pilot - Roger Reaves | PBD Podcast | EP 152
May 2, 2022
Roger Reaves, a former pilot and notorious drug smuggler for Pablo Escobar, shares his thrilling journey from naive dreams of humanitarian missions to navigating the high-stakes world of cocaine trafficking. He recounts close calls with law enforcement, brushes with the mob, and the time he almost got caught. The conversation also delves into his complex relationships, connections with Barry Seal, and the moral dilemmas of his past, illuminating the gritty realities of a life entangled in crime while searching for redemption.
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Mena Connection
- Reaves paid Barry Seal $2,000 per kilo of cocaine transported, plus $50,000 for a "jeffy" in Mena, Arkansas.
- Seal claimed the money went "all the way to the top," hinting at bribes to then-governor Bill Clinton.
Arrest and Plea Deal
- Reaves was caught after 11 people testified against him, leading to a continuing criminal enterprise charge.
- He avoided life imprisonment by giving up his money and pleading guilty to lesser charges.
Seal's Death
- Reaves believes Barry Seal was killed by a cartel hitman named Ronaldo because Seal testified against Escobar and the Ochoas.
- Seal was offered protection and a new life if he cooperated with the authorities.
