The definitive history of drug cartels, this "investigative magnum
opus" takes readers to the frontlines of the 'war on drugs' in Latin
America (Los Angeles Times)
The product of five years' investigative reporting, the subject of
intense national controversy, and the source of death threats that
forced the National Human Rights Commission to assign two full-time
bodyguards to its author, Anabel Hernández, Narcoland has been a
publishing and political sensation in Mexico.
The "war on drugs" has so far cost more than 60,000 lives in just six
years. Hernández explains in riveting detail how Mexico became a base
for the mega-cartels of Latin America and one of the most violent places
on the planet. At every turn, Hernández names--not just the narcos, but
also the politicians, functionaries, judges, and entrepreneurs who have
collaborated with them. In doing so, she reveals the mind-boggling depth
of corruption in Mexico's government and business elite.
Hernández became a journalist after her father was kidnapped and killed
and the police refused to investigate without a bribe. She gained
national prominence in 2001 with her exposure of excess and misconduct
at the presidential palace, and previous books have focused on
criminality at the summit of power, under presidents Vicente Fox and
Felipe Calderón.
In awarding Hernández the 2012 Golden Pen of Freedom, the World
Association of Newspapers and News Publishers noted, "Mexico has become
one of the most dangerous countries in the world for journalists, with
violence and impunity remaining major challenges in terms of press
freedom. In making this award, we recognize the strong stance Ms.
Hernández has taken, at great personal risk, against drug cartels."
