Join Lisa, Matt, and Jules for a gripping conversation with Lieutenant Raul J. Diaz and Sean Oliver, co-authors of Killing the Lieutenant, a firsthand account of crime, corruption, and survival during Miami’s notorious cocaine wars. Raul Diaz’s story sounds like something out of a crime movie—but it’s real. After immigrating to the United States from Cuba, Diaz went from being involved in gang life to becoming a police officer and eventually one of the law enforcement officers fighting some of Miami’s most dangerous criminals during the explosive drug era of the 1980s. In this episode, Diaz takes us inside a Miami where cocaine trafficking was exploding, violent criminals were flooding the streets, and police were often working without the technology, resources, and forensic tools available today. He shares what it was like confronting powerful criminal organizations and operating undercover in an era when the risks were enormous and backup wasn't always guaranteed. We also explore the human cost of a career spent fighting violent crime. Diaz opens up about the relentless stress, physical and mental toll, and health problems that followed years on the front lines of Miami's war on drugs. Sean Oliver discusses how his collaboration with Diaz began and what went into transforming Diaz’s experiences into Killing the Lieutenant. Together, they explain why telling the personal stories behind the badges and headlines was so important—and why the human perspective can make a crime memoir far more powerful than simply recounting the cases. The conversation also takes aim at the way popular culture and media have romanticized notorious criminals, including figures like Griselda Blanco, and asks what gets lost when criminals become celebrities. We discuss the difference between the mythology surrounding Miami’s cocaine era and the reality experienced by the police officers, informants, victims, and communities caught in the middle. Finally, we reflect on Diaz’s legacy and his work with CENTAC 26, examining the impact of his career and the sacrifices made by the officers who helped take on Miami’s drug trade during one of the most dangerous periods in the city’s history. If you're a fan of true crime podcasts, Miami cocaine wars, organized crime, drug trafficking, police memoirs, undercover investigations, criminal history, and real-life crime stories, this is an episode you won't want to miss. *Please note all opinions in the show are our own and solely in regards to the specific case we are discussing in this episode* We made a one stop shop for all the Eye for an Eye links our listeners might want to check out whether its where to listen, our merch shop, all of our socials, our email, or ways to support the show, we’d love for you to visit the link below! https://msha.ke/eyeforeyepod/ Tired of Ads? Want to support our show? Please consider supporting Eye for an Eye with as little as $1 a month via patreon.com/eyeforeyepod Enjoy today's show? Don't forget to rate (those 5 stars are waiting to be clicked), review, subscribe and tell your friends! Want in on the discussion?Join us on our Facebook page or group, Instagram @eyeforeyepod, twitter @eyeforeyepod or shoot us an email at eyeforeyepod@gmail.com and let us know your thoughts- does the punishment fit the crime? __ Cover Art Created by: Rachel Gregorino, dollbambino@gmail.com Music: GarageBand Mix made by Lisa __ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
