Richard Barile, a name that might not ring a bell to many, was a significant figure in the cocaine trade during the 1970s. Known as the “California Connection,” Barile played a crucial role in the distribution of cocaine smuggled from Colombia into the United States.
This article delves into the life of Richard Barile, his involvement in the drug trade, and his portrayal in popular culture.
Table of Contents
Richard Barile: The Early Years
Little is known about Richard Barile’s early life. Before his involvement in the drug trade, Barile was a hairdresser.
This seemingly ordinary profession belied the extraordinary path that his life would take, transforming him from a hairdresser to a major player in the cocaine trade.
The Cocaine Connection: Barile and George Jung
George Jung, also known as “Boston George,” was one of the biggest smugglers of cocaine in the 1970s. Jung and his smuggling partner, Carlos Lehder, would fly hundreds of kilos of cocaine from Pablo Escobar’s Colombian ranch to the U.S., where Barile would take it and distribute it.
Barile’s role as Jung’s “California Connection” was a closely guarded secret, as Jung feared that revealing Barile’s identity would lead to him being cut out of the smuggling operation.
The Betrayal: Lehder, Barile, and the End of an Alliance
Despite his initial hesitance, Jung eventually introduced Lehder to Barile, a decision that would prove to be a grave error.
Lehder, seeing an opportunity to cut out the middleman, started working directly with Barile, effectively sidelining Jung.
This betrayal marked a significant turning point in the cocaine trade, as Lehder took his operations to the next level.
Richard Barile in Popular Culture
Richard Barile’s life and involvement in the drug trade have been immortalized in popular culture. In the film “Blow,” the character Derek Foreal, played by Paul Reubens, is based on Barile.
The movie offers a dramatized account of the cocaine trade in the 1970s, with Foreal (Barile) portrayed as a flamboyant hairdresser turned coke dealer.
The Final Years and Death of Richard Barile
Richard Barile’s life took a turn for the worse in his later years. After a life filled with danger and excitement, Barile died at the age of 68 on April 20, 2011.
His death marked the end of an era, closing the chapter on one of the most significant figures in the cocaine trade of the 1970s.
Conclusion
Richard Barile’s life is a testament to the unpredictable twists and turns that life can take. From a hairdresser to a major player in the cocaine trade, Barile’s journey is a stark reminder of the dark underbelly of the drug trade.
Despite his involvement in illegal activities, his story offers a fascinating glimpse into a world that few people ever see.
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FAQs
Who was Richard Barile?
Richard Barile was a key player in the cocaine trade during the 1970s. He was known as the “California Connection” and was responsible for distributing cocaine smuggled from Colombia into the United States.
What was Richard Barile’s profession before he got involved in the drug trade?
Before his involvement in the drug trade, Richard Barile was a hairdresser.
Who were the other key players in the cocaine trade with Richard Barile?
Richard Barile was closely associated with George Jung, also known as “Boston George,” and Carlos Lehder. They were major smugglers of cocaine in the 1970s.
How did Richard Barile’s involvement in the drug trade end?
Richard Barile’s involvement in the drug trade ended when Carlos Lehder started working directly with him, effectively sidelining George Jung.
When did Richard Barile die?
Richard Barile died at the age of 68 on April 20, 2011.
