The notorious drug lord Griselda Blanco, known as the “Cocaine Godmother,” built a vast criminal empire fueled by violence and ruthlessness.
However, the very foundation she laid would ultimately crumble from within. In a twist of fate, Dixon, Griselda’s son, made a simple mistake that would lead to the dismantling of the Blanco cartel, exposing its inner workings and vulnerabilities to law enforcement.
The Fall of the Blanco Drug Empire
The initial nudge that would trigger the collapse of Griselda Blanco’s empire emerged in the early 1980s, spearheaded by DEA agent Robert Palombo.(ref)
Agent Palombo described how they devised a strategic plan dubbed Operation Los Niños, meaning “the sons,” with the aim of either capturing her sons or exploiting them to weaken her grip on the drug trade.(ref)
According to Agent Palombo, Gerry Gomez was a trusted mechanic for the Griselda family who found himself facing ten years in prison on drug charges. When he couldn’t bear the thought of abandoning his young son, desperation drove him to make a heart-wrenching decision–to betray the family he knew so well. In exchange for a reduced sentence, he turned informant for the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Gomez’s history with the Griseldas made him the perfect inside man and had known Dixon since childhood. Exploiting this connection, Palombo reached out to Dixon, who, along with his younger brother Osvaldo, agreed to meet in San Francisco. There, they unwittingly walked into the DEA’s trap by accepting Gomez’s offer to launder money for the organization.
Despite Gomez’s familiarity, Griselda remained suspicious. In a tense encounter at a Marriott hotel, DEA agents watched as a disguised Griselda, clad in a wig, cape, and elegant attire, appeared. Her distinctive dimples and cleft chin gave her away, but she cautiously maintained her distance.
Gomez took the bait, grabbing the money and driving to San Francisco for another meeting with Dixon. While Griselda attempted to evade capture, the DEA’s relentless pursuit led them to her through a seemingly innocuous trail—her electric bills.
With Griselda apprehended, her empire met its demise. In 2004, she was granted compassionate release from prison in the U.S. and deported back to Colombia. She was shot dead in Medellín, on September 3, 2012 at the age of 69.(ref)
Dixon’s Arrest
Unbeknownst to Dixon, the seeds of his downfall were sown in the most unexpected place – his brother, Uber’s house. Following Uber’s arrest, a young girl present at the residence became an unwitting catalyst in Dixon’s capture.
Uber requested to call his lawyer, a standard procedure that Agent Palombo readily granted. The girl, eager to assist, went inside to make the call. However, when she emerged, she couldn’t reach the lawyer, but she had managed to contact Dixon himself, who was already en route.
In a moment that contrasted the years of meticulous investigation and high-stakes operations, Dixon arrived at the scene, oblivious to the trap that had been set.
The culmination of countless hours of dedicated work by law enforcement unfolded in a seemingly mundane act—the click of handcuffs securing Dixon’s wrists.
Dixon Trujillo’s Fate
Dixon’s ultimate fate remains shrouded in mystery and speculation, with conflicting accounts leaving a definitive answer elusive. The Netflix series “Griselda” portrays his demise as occurring when he is shot while walking to his car, a dramatic conclusion to his tumultuous life.
Other sources offer alternative narratives. Some reports suggest that Dixon met his end while incarcerated, possibly succumbing to the violence that plagued the criminal underworld he inhabited. Others propose that he sought refuge in Colombia, where he died under unknown circumstances. According to the Miami News Times, Blanco’s three oldest sons Dixon, Uber, and Osvaldo are all dead.(ref)
Griselda Blanco’s youngest son, Michael, is very much alive and has forged a path separate from his family’s notorious legacy. A former cast member on the VH1 reality show “Cartel Crew,” he now heads Pure Blanco, a lifestyle brand.
Michael, along with his wife Marie, is currently engaged in a legal battle against Netflix and the creators of the series “Griselda.” The lawsuit claims that the show drew inspiration and content from recorded conversations Michael had with the producers, for which he received no financial compensation.(ref)
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Martha A. Lavallie
Martha is a journalist with close to a decade of experience in uncovering and reporting on the most compelling stories of our time. Passionate about staying ahead of the curve, she specializes in shedding light on trending topics and captivating global narratives. Her insightful articles have garnered acclaim, making her a trusted voice in today's dynamic media landscape.
