After Escobar

After Escobar is a high-octane thriller I couldn’t put down! This incredible, first-hand account about bringing down the infamous Cali cartel reads like a Tom Clancy novel, except this story is 100% true. – Derek S. Maltz, Acting DEA Administrator “Learn the truth about how elite DEA operators Chris Feistl and Dave Mitchell risked their lives on a daily basis, battled systemic corruption, and overcame numerous challenges to help dismantle the infamous Cali mafia. This epic adventure will keep you on the edge of your seat. It’s a must-read for anyone one who loves True Crime stories!” – Steve Murphy, Retired DEA Special Agent in Charge and co-author of Manhunters: How We Took Down Pablo Escobar“After Escobar is an absolute must read for anyone with an interest in the drug war and Colombian cartels—wow, what a page turner! Straight out of a Hollywood movie. The most detailed first-hand account I have ever read regarding the take down of the Cali cartel. Well done, warriors!” – Dave Gaddis, Former DEA Chief of Global Enforcement Operations and author of The Noble Experiment.

Chris Feistl was a DEA Special Agent for twenty-six years, serving in diverse assignments throughout the US as well as twelve years in Colombia, South America, where he investigated major drug cartels that were supplying tons of cocaine and heroin destined for the US. Starting as a new agent in Miami, he finished his career as an Assistant Special Agent in Charge in Phoenix in 2014.

Chris has been a frequent guest on television documentaries and true crime podcasts regarding the Cali cartel. He was portrayed in eighty episodes of a Spanish-language series entitled En la Boca del Lobo, as well as in Season 3 of Netflix’s hit series Narcos. He has also appeared in several other television projects, shows, and radio programs.

Chris has been the recipient of numerous awards, including the DEA Administrator’s Award of Honor (DEA’s highest honor), and four Distinguished Service Medals from the Colombian government.

Dave Mitchell is a retired DEA Special Agent with thirty-three years of service, where he played a crucial role in numerous high-profile cases targeting major drug cartels, including the Cali cartel. He began his career in Miami during the era of the Miami Cocaine Cowboys, and later conducted cocaine interdiction operations in the jungles of South America and led drug investigations throughout South Florida, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Europe. He retired in December 2020 after receiving numerous awards, including the DEA’s highest award, the Administrator’s Award of Honor, and two Distinguished Service Medals from the Colombian government.

Dave currently resides in the Fort Lauderdale area and owns ClearPath Investigative Solutions, LLC, which provides investigative services and personal protection to a select group of high-profile clients.

Jessica Balboni is a Boston-based writer and editor with a diverse background in media that spans artistic, academic, corporate, and nonprofit sectors, including roles held with the Food Network, The Rockefeller Foundation, and ESPN.