Graphic Novel Review – Cocaine Coast

Title: Cocaine Coast: A Graphic Novel

Published by Ablaze Publishing

Written by Nacho Carretero

Illustrated by Luis Bustos

ISBN 9781950912278

Ages –  16+

True crime fans will enjoy this fascinating story about how an unassuming corner of Spain was actually the cocaine gateway to Europe, fueled by Columbian cartels, corrupt political figures and local traffickers desperate to make money off the trade. Tracing its trafficking history to cigarettes, this region morphed into a hotbed of illegal drug trafficking as the potential for more money became apparent.

Important relationships were struck between local traffickers, politicians and Columbian suppliers that enabled the drug trade to go on. Traffickers made huge sums of money, and laundered their profits through Swiss banks and foreign governments as well as phony businesses. But when money, power and influence begin to take over, people turn on each other which inevitably leads to their downfall.

Cocaine Coast dives into the history of trafficking as well as how cartels, criminals and government officials were involved and sought to keep, maintain and even grow their influence in the criminal world

James Facer, Library Director