Facing the Drug War: A Personal Account

Facing the Drug War: A Personal Account

From Manifesto Radio by Ed Calderon

January 4, 2026 · 1h 46m

About this episode

Dave Franke shares his journey as a law enforcement officer in Mexico, discussing the challenges and realities of police work in a corrupt system.

Dave Franke shares his remarkable journey from Los Angeles to becoming a law enforcement officer in Mexico. He discusses his troubled childhood, the bold decision to write to the PGR seeking a new path, and the intense training he underwent to become a police officer. Frank reflects on the challenges of being a foreign officer in a corrupt system, the importance of building trust with his fellow officers, and the harsh realities of police work in Mexico, including his first firefight. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the dedication and loyalty of many officers who strive to make Mexico a better place. Ed and Franke delve into their experiences in law enforcement during the tumultuous Zeta era in Mexico. They discuss the challenges of working in a dangerous environment, the camaraderie among officers, the harsh realities of combat, and the emotional toll of losing colleagues. The dialogue also touches on the transition to civilian life, the need for better support for law enforcement, and the importance of bridging cultural gaps between Mexico and the United States. Subscribe to our patron for ad free podcast and more ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠…

People in this episode

Host: Ed Calderon

Guest: Dave Franke

Topics covered

  • drug war
  • law enforcement
  • corruption
  • personal journey
  • Mexico
  • cultural gaps

Keywords

  • drug war
  • law enforcement
  • Mexico
  • corruption
  • personal account
  • Zeta era
  • police work

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: PGR

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