The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole

Rigaku
The Opioid Matrix: A Journey Into the Rabbit Hole

The Opioid Matrix is a podcast for anyone looking for the latest information in the illegal drug supply chain — Beginning to end. Each episode will feature a discussion with industry experts about the current opioid crisis, including drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, drug identification, drug addiction, as well as the role of government, law enforcement, new health and social programs, and more. Welcome to The Opioid Matrix-A Journey into the Rabbit Hole.

  1. Cartel Fentanyl is in Everything - even Marijuana

    FEB 18

    Cartel Fentanyl is in Everything - even Marijuana

    If you think your child is safe, think again. Fentanyl isn’t in counterfeit pills anymore—it’s laced into marijuana, hidden in vape pens, and disguised in party drugs. No one is immune. In our first episode of the year, host Michael Brown speaks with Paula Young, a mother who turned grief into action after her son, Andrew, unknowingly consumed fentanyl-laced marijuana and lost his life. They reveal how cartels are evolving their tactics, why social media is fueling the crisis, and the urgent policy battles needed to fight fentanyl—an issue beyond party lines. Paula also shares the emotional journey behind Andrew’s Law, a legislative push to make fentanyl education mandatory in schools nationwide. We also discuss: How Andrew’s story exposes the hidden dangers of trusting "safe" sources.Why current drug laws fail to hold fentanyl dealers accountable.The importance of bipartisan action to tackle the fentanyl crisis effectively.For more information about Achieve Greatness, visit AchieveGreatness88.org or contact Paula at +1 774-417-7972.

    41 min
  2. How the Cure Became the Cause: Examining Colorado’s Drug Decriminalization Policies

    JAN 7

    How the Cure Became the Cause: Examining Colorado’s Drug Decriminalization Policies

    Illicit fentanyl has transformed the U.S. drug crisis into a national emergency that affects all ages, incomes, and communities. Despite the staggering toll. Where is the policy change? In this episode, we sit down with award-winning journalist and filmmaker Steffan Tubbs to uncover the harrowing truths behind America’s fentanyl epidemic, as seen in his documentary Devastated: Colorado’s Fentanyl Disaster. He examines the intersection of decriminalization policies, cartel operations, and societal complacency that have allowed this crisis to grow unchecked, and calls us to take action to tackle the crisis. Listeners will learn:Why fentanyl deaths continue to rise in states like Colorado despite national trends leveling off.How cartels exploit America’s addiction crisis and the policy gaps that enable them.Why parents, policymakers, and the media need to start having real, uncomfortable conversations.What solutions could help reverse the trajectory of this crisis.

    52 min
  3. Middle Americas’ Fight against Fentanyl using Community Centric Policing

    11/26/2024

    Middle Americas’ Fight against Fentanyl using Community Centric Policing

    In the heart of America’s fentanyl crisis, one county is doing what many thought impossible—bringing overdose rates down.  In this episode we are joined by Commander Tom Fallon, of Hamilton County’s Heroin Task Force, to discuss how local law enforcement, through strategic partnerships and innovative community outreach, has succeeded in reducing fentanyl overdoses in the county.  Commander Fallon also reveals that the real war is fought far from the public eye—with mothers who’ve lost their children, communities on the brink, and doctors who unknowingly set the stage for addiction. We also discuss: How community-centric policing builds trust to drive effective intervention in Hamilton County’s fentanyl crisis.Why tackling the Dark Web’s role in trafficking is vital as cartels use digital channels to spread fentanyl, pushing law enforcement to adapt.The importance of Narcan access and addiction education in saving lives and reshaping public attitudes on addiction.The impact of a new generation of officers blending empathy with enforcement for sustainable change in communities.

    50 min
  4. Deflection Methods: an Alternative Approach to Address Substance Use

    10/22/2024

    Deflection Methods: an Alternative Approach to Address Substance Use

    Each person who struggles with drug addiction has a unique story. And regardless of how they got there, they are all humans and deserve to be treated with empathy.  In this episode, we are joined by Dennis Lowe, Commander of the South Central Ohio Major Crimes Unit, who has spent 40 years in law enforcement and is leading a unique model of community-driven policing. Commander Lowe and Michael Brown discuss the challenges associated with transitioning towards a more empathetic law enforcement approach, without abandoning strict measures, and building trust around state’s institutions.  We also discuss: How the FORT Project helps reduce recidivism and foster long-term recovery by addressing the root causes of substance use.Why a balanced approach of empathy and enforcement can create lasting change in communities facing drug crises.The role of cultural sensitivity education in police officers to engage diverse communities affected by the opioid crisis.

    58 min
  5. Mexico’s Deadliest Cartel - Inside the CJNG with Chris Dalby

    10/08/2024

    Mexico’s Deadliest Cartel - Inside the CJNG with Chris Dalby

    Cartel operations go far beyond drugs—they are entrenched in the internal economies of countries, exercising control across multiple industries.  In this episode, we are joined by Chris Dalby, Director of World of Crime and author of World of Crime Guides to Organized Crime, to explore the scope of the cartel networks. Chris shares all things about the Jalisco Cartel New Generation (CJNG), revealing this syndicate’s brutality, extortion tactics, and control over fentanyl and meth production globally. We discuss why traditional law enforcement strategies aren't working, and how the flow of precursor chemicals from China plays a pivotal role in fentanyl production.  Listeners will learn: How the CJNG cartel became one of Mexico’s most violent and flexible criminal organizations, and why they pose a unique threat.The role of precursor chemicals from China, why seizures at the border aren’t enough, and how the cartel adapts to crackdowns.What can be done to tackle the cartel threat, from addressing money laundering to targeting the global supply chain of precursor chemicals. To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

    46 min
  6. Jay Flores’ Journey from Sinaloa Cartel Kingpin to Law Enforcement Educator, Part 2

    09/24/2024

    Jay Flores’ Journey from Sinaloa Cartel Kingpin to Law Enforcement Educator, Part 2

    In today’s episode, we are once again joined by Margarito "Jay" Flores, Jr., a former distributor for the Sinaloa Cartel, for part two of our series inside one of the most notorious criminal organizations in the world. Michael and Jay pick up the conversation right where they left off, delving deeper into the challenges of dismantling these criminal networks and examining the strategies in the war against drugs. They also talk about how Jay’s approach to the US government set a precedent of collaboration to put cartels down.  You can learn more about Jay’s background and work by going to his websites https://kingpintoeducator.com/ and https://dynamicpolicetraining.com/.  To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player. Listening on a desktop and can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

    1h 3m
  7. Jay Flores’ Journey from Sinaloa Cartel Kingpin to Law Enforcement Educator, Part 1

    09/10/2024

    Jay Flores’ Journey from Sinaloa Cartel Kingpin to Law Enforcement Educator, Part 1

    Money is the engine of drug trafficking. Without it, organized crime would cease to exist. Does this mean that efforts to end the drug crisis in America should focus more heavily on targeting money instead of drugs? Are there reasons why this hasn’t been the strategy in the past? In this two-part series episode, we are joined by Margarito "Jay" Flores, Jr., who operated a distribution network for the Sinaloa cartel, as he pulls back the curtain on the financial empire of the world’s most notorious cartel, exposing the intricate web of drug trafficking and money laundering that fuels the opioid crisis and corrupts institutions and people both inside and outside of the United States. Michael and Jay explore the generational impact of drug trafficking on American cities and the challenges law enforcement faces in disrupting the flow of precursor chemicals essential for drug production. Join us as we discuss: The supply chain systems behind smuggling vast amounts of cash and drugs across international borders and distributing them nationwide.The role of advanced technology in modern drug trafficking and money launderingThe tactics used by the Sinaloa Cartel to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.Personal stories of betrayal, survival, and redemption within the cartel world. You can learn more about Jay’s background and work by going to his websites https://kingpintoeducator.com/ and https://dynamicpolicetraining.com/. Stay tuned for Part 2.  To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.

    53 min
  8. From Personal Pain to Public Outreach: Andrea Thomas and Michael Fiore Face the Opioid Crisis Head-on

    08/13/2024

    From Personal Pain to Public Outreach: Andrea Thomas and Michael Fiore Face the Opioid Crisis Head-on

    Getting sober is often seen as the milestone of ending drug addiction, and many policies and projects are designed with this approach in mind. However, without proper healthcare, supportive communities, and tools to stay sober, people often relapse into an endless cycle that continues to fuel the opioid crisis. In this episode, we are joined by two unifying voices fighting the opioid crisis: Andrea Thomas, Founder and Executive Director of Voices for Awareness, and Michael Fiore, Founder of Inspire2Inspire, as well as the Director of Community Outreach at Voices for Awareness. Andrea and Michael share their deep bond that transcends their mission, and discuss their efforts to bring hope and practical solutions to those affected by fentanyl through prevention, education, and healthcare accessibility. They also discuss the importance of a unified legislative effort to address this critical issue, and how they are fighting for the future of the nation.  Join us as we discuss: Overcoming addiction and transforming personal experiences into a message of hopeAddressing the stigma surrounding drug use and addiction to drive empathetic, social transformationsThe importance of collaboration among various groups and organizations to achieve long-term solutionsUpcoming initiatives for August 21 - National Fentanyl Prevention and Awareness Day (check out Facing Fentanyl Now’s website for more details) To make sure you never miss an episode of The Opioid Matrix, subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, the website, or your favorite podcast player.  Listening on a desktop & can’t see the links? Just search for The Opioid Matrix in your favorite podcast player.  You can reach out to Andrea Thomas emailing her at andrea@voicesforawareness.com, and follow Mike on Instagram @MikeFiore118.

    46 min
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4
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About

The Opioid Matrix is a podcast for anyone looking for the latest information in the illegal drug supply chain — Beginning to end. Each episode will feature a discussion with industry experts about the current opioid crisis, including drug trafficking, drug manufacturing, drug identification, drug addiction, as well as the role of government, law enforcement, new health and social programs, and more. Welcome to The Opioid Matrix-A Journey into the Rabbit Hole.

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