How Drug Smuggling (Ecstasy) Actually Works

Shaun Attwood smuggled over $10 million worth of ecstasy into America from Holland.At the height of the ecstasy ring, he had about 200 people working for him.The largest-ever shipment was 40,000 pills, and they were competing against an underboss for the Gambino crime family,Sammy the Bull Gravano.The capital for ecstasy manufacture was Holland, and some common pill names were white doves, Mitsubishis, euro dollars, Teletubbies, and dollar signs.A pure ecstasy pill should be 100 to 125 milligrams of MDMA and clay, with a logo pressed on it.The recipe for ecstasy has changed due to government crackdowns on the original ingredients, leading to cartels and criminal enterprises putting mixed chemicals in the pills.Some pills had food coloring to create distinct branding, but they were not the pure presses from Holland.Generally, if a pill contains 100 to 125 milligrams of MDMA, the effects will be the same.They could commission a pill to be designed in a certain way, but they opted not to attract law enforcement.DanceSafe, a website, had photos and exact ingredients of pills, which helped establish their product's quality.Shaun Attwood was involved in the rave scene in Arizona and knew many people.He invested in parties and E deals, starting with clubs like Chupa and the Silver Dollar Club.

They initially bought pills for $25 to $30 each, but later set up a deal to get them from LA for just over $10 each.To source pills from Holland, they would send people on flights with testing kits to find sellers in clubs.The process was done covertly in hotel rooms, with pills exchanged for money.They didn't know much about the background information to protect the enterprises running it.They started sourcing pills from Holland less frequently but in larger quantities.Wild Man, Shaun's childhood friend, became his main bodyguard in Arizona and introduced him to gangsters and contacts.Shaun met the New Mexican Mafia, the most powerful and dangerous mafia in Arizona at the time.They taught him about his rights during police encounters and offered protection.Shaun's enterprise was not in competition with the cartel or the New Mexican Mafia because they had harder drugs locked down.Initially, they smuggled pills through the mail by hollowing out stock market annual reports and sealing them with edible glue.They later flew people from the UK to Arizona, built credit in their names, and used their identities for the criminal enterprise.They traveled from Hermosillo Airport to Mexico City, then to Holland via Air France before 9/11.They strategically smuggled pills in their luggage, sometimes in pillowcases.The speaker begins by mentioning their criminal record and how it has made it difficult for them to find a job.They talk about the advice they received to lie about their criminal record in order to increase their chances of getting hired.The speaker then mentions moving to Guildford and living with their friend DJ Mike Hot Wheels for 10 years.During this time, they focused on their blog and building their social media presence.In 2004, they started their blog and in 2007, they launched their YouTube channel.

The speaker highlights that their YouTube channel was the first prison-focused channel in the country.They traveled across the country to interview interesting people and express gratitude for the support they received.The speaker believes it is their destiny to use their platform to help others share their stories.

The speaker reflects on the late 1980s when news stories about young people involved in drug-related activities started to emerge.They mention attending an economics class where a friend introduced them to the rave scene.

The speaker recalls going to the Thunderdome in Manchester and trying drugs for the first time.

They describe the experience of dancing and feeling like they had finally found themselves.Raving became a significant part of their life and they considered it their religion.

The speaker discusses their family history, mentioning that some relatives settled in Chicago while others retired in Arizona.They recall visiting one of their aunts in Arizona as a child and being fascinated by the swimming pools in the backyards.The speaker expresses a desire to have a similar lifestyle after finishing university.

The speaker reflects on their past and shares advice they would give to their younger self.

They mention their early interest in the stock market, which led to them accumulating wealth in their late 20s.However, their involvement in drug activities overshadowed their financial success.He admits that their pursuit of money was driven by ego rather than necessity.

The speaker mentions Pablo Escobar, a notorious drug lord who was worth billions.They recount a conversation between Pablo and his brother, where the brother suggests buying an island to live a peaceful life away from legal troubles.Pablo dismisses the idea, emphasizing his power and influence in the drug world.The speaker concludes that their own pursuit of money was also fueled by ego and the desire to be a prominent figure in their scene.