Last Podcast On The Left
Last Podcast On The Left
"Whatever Adolfo Constanzo was trained in, it was some form of serial killer's light version of Paloma Yombe, where he was hooked up with a Padrino at a young age that essentially defied all things that are sacred about Paloma Yombe and gave them to him and kind of unofficial." — Marcus Parks
"He's a consultant. He really is a consultant. And really that's what you're paying for. It's not just that you're paying for. What you're really paying for is his connections to the fucking law enforcement and other drug cartels." — Ben Kissel
"You know, I mean, this is a cult that is led by a serial killer. I mean, he uses all the same manipulation techniques that other cult members use. I mean, he manipulates these people into doing shit that they don't... And shouldn't be... Don't want to do... And shouldn't be doing just like most cults do. It just so happens that this is one of the most violent cults to ever exist. At least in modern times." — Marcus Parks
This episode delves into the escalating criminal enterprise of Adolfo Constanzo, charting his transition from a spiritual practitioner to a formidable figure within the drug trade. His influence grew significantly as he began offering magical rituals and protection to drug traffickers, commanding substantial fees. A critical turning point was his alliance with Florentino Ventura Gutierrez, the director of Mexico's Interpol branch, and subsequently with Salvador Alercone, a federal official. These connections provided Constanzo with access to the inner workings of law enforcement and the lucrative drug market, particularly in Matamoros. Constanzo's methods, a perversion of Palo Mayombe, included rituals involving human sacrifice, which he justified as necessary for his spiritual practices and to solidify his power.
The narrative highlights Constanzo's ability to manipulate individuals, using their desires for protection, wealth, and power to draw them into his orbit. His interactions with the Calzada family exemplify this; after gaining their trust and facilitating drug shipments, he demanded a larger share of their empire, leading to a violent confrontation and the massacre of the entire family. This event marked a significant escalation in his brutality. Constanzo then leveraged his connections and growing reputation to infiltrate the Hernandez drug family, using Sarah Aldredi as a key intermediary. Through calculated deception and the performance of rituals, he secured a 50% stake in their operations, further solidifying his position as a powerful criminal consultant who disguised his activities as magic.
The episode details the increasing violence and ritualistic acts within Constanzo's cult, including the creation of a new "enganga" using the remains of a sacrificial victim. His followers, initially drawn to the spiritual aspects, became increasingly entangled in extreme acts of violence, including murder and mutilation. Constanzo's manipulative genius lay in his ability to make his followers complicit, ensuring their loyalty through shared criminal acts and the promise of protection and power. The episode concludes by setting the stage for the next part, focusing on the escalating violence and Constanzo's eventual downfall.