The Pablo Escobar and El Mencho comparison lands differently once you hear the Colombia data. Violence dropped significantly after Escobar was killed in 1993. That is true. Colombia's cocaine exports are now four or five times higher than they were at the time. Also true, and it complicates the whole story.

Jean Daudelin's explanation: killing Escobar ended the big Colombian cartels and moved the epicenter of the drug trade to Mexico. The business didn't stop, it relocated. Now Mexico exports synthetic drugs to the largest drug market in the world across a border that processes 90 million car crossings annually. Twenty tons of fentanyl per year feeds the US market. That concentration means it moves invisibly through legal crossings.

Sheinbaum's offensive is serious. A super ministry of security, nearly 100 extraditions, thousands of weapons seized, a police chief who was personally targeted by El Mencho running the operation. Whether it ends the big cartels is plausible. Whether it ends the trade, Colombia already answered that.

Topics: Pablo Escobar El Mencho parallel, Colombia after Escobar cocaine exports, Mexico cartel Sheinbaum crackdown, fentanyl US border volume, Jean Daudelin Carleton

GUEST: Jean Daudelin | Associate Professor, Norman Patterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University

Originally aired on 2026-02-26

The Pablo Escobar and El Mencho comparison lands differently once you hear the Colombia data. Violence dropped significantly after Escobar was killed in 1993. That is true. Colombia's cocaine exports are now four or five times higher than they were at the time. Also true, and it complicates the whole story.
Jean Daudelin's explanation: killing Escobar ended the big Colombian cartels and moved the epicenter of the drug trade to Mexico. The business didn't stop, it relocated. Now Mexico exports synthetic drugs to the largest drug market in the world across a border that processes 90 million car crossings annually. Twenty tons of fentanyl per year feeds the US market. That concentration means it moves invisibly through legal crossings.
Sheinbaum's offensive is serious. A super ministry of security, nearly 100 extraditions, thousands of weapons seized, a police chief who was personally targeted by El Mencho running the operation. Whether it ends the big cartels is plausible. Whether it ends the trade, Colombia already answered that.
Topics: Pablo Escobar El Mencho parallel, Colombia after Escobar cocaine exports, Mexico cartel Sheinbaum crackdown, fentanyl US border volume, Jean Daudelin Carleton
GUEST:&nbsp;Jean Daudelin | Associate Professor, Norman Patterson School of International Affairs, Carleton University
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-26

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.