Chasing the Squirrel: The Pursuit of Notorious Drug Smuggler Wally Thrasher

by Ron Peterson

CHASING THE SQUIRREL is the true story of notorious drug smuggler Wally Thrasher, whose investigation led to the biggest drug bust in Mid-Atlantic United States history in 1986.Nicknamed, “The Squirrel” for his elusivenes, Thrasher was a daredevil pilot who made millions flying marijuana and cocaine from South America into the US in the 70s and 80s. With his beautiful Portuguese-born wife, Olga, he lived in a mountain estate near Virginia’s New River Valley. He owned oceanfront homes and yachts in Florida, spent weekends in the Caribbean and laundered money in Las Vegas, where he partied with Frank Sinatra’s entourage.The Feds were hot on his tail in 1984 when word came that he had died in a plane crash in Belize, his body burnt to ashes. But investigators soon learned the crash was staged and the death certificate fake. Meanwhile, Olga became a federal informant assisting the DEA in an audacious undercover sting to infiltrate the highest levels of his smuggling ring. Thirteen international traffickers were indicted, including Bolivian drug lord Roberto Suarez-Gomez, known as the world’s “King of Cocaine.”But Wally Thrasher was never caught. Authorities believe he has spent the past four decades living in some faraway tropical land. He was recently profiled on “America’s Most Wanted” as US Marshals chased leads around the globe in his pursuit.

Genres: Nonfiction, True Crime, Biography, Audiobook, Crime

354 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2020

Reviews

[Amanda Sava · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decade long drug smuggling operation, flying marijuana into sleepy rural southwest Virginia by a charismatic, good natured guy, that "allegedly" dies in a fiery plane crash with no remains to be found, whose wife's eventual testimony leads to one of the biggest drug busts in the state. Sounds like a movie or fake, but nope, this is non-fiction. One of the biggest appeals of this story to me was how close to home it takes place, so many familiar locations, many of which I have been to (Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke, no way) or travelled through. And actually, my parents were attending Radford University at the height of Wally Thrasher's drug smuggling. As I have said before, I definitely have an affinity for local stories. I hope this is made into a movie, because it would be a good one.

[Peter Corrigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit surprised by this one as it exceeded my expectations. 'Chasing the Squirrel' is a pretty fascinating look into the life of a drug smuggler named Wally (aka The Squirrel) Thrasher back when it seemed a bit more 'romantic' with mostly pot and then cocaine the primary products. I say romantic but all these criminal activities and networks laid the groundwork for the mass death of the opioid-fentanyl wave that broke across this country in the past 20 years.

A real hook for me and I see some other reviewers, was the setting in Southwest Virginia, not exactly a location for true-crime stories! But no place is immune to the scourge of drugs as the opioid-fentanyl disaster again demonstrated all across Appalachia. Most of the action in this book occurred in the late 70s to mid-80s, in many places I have either lived in or at least been to--Pulaski, Claytor Lake, NRV Airport, Wytheville, Fancy Gap, Blacksburg, Roanoke, Tanglewood Mall, Bath County (Ingalls Field) and other nearby locations. I lived nowhere near here in those days and would never have imagined 'ending up' here. Still it was sort of fun to hear about known places, despite the less than propitious reasons.

The writing is pretty much no-frills narrative but it mostly holds your attention as the convoluted story of Wally (and later his wife Olga) moves back and forth between Virginia, Florida, Mexico, Colombia, Belize and Bolivia among other places. Overall, I'd give it 3.5 stars overall, 3 for the writing, 4 for the story but will round up for the home field bonus.

[Anita · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had to hype myself up each evening to get through this book.

I had no sympathy for Wally or his wife. At least she proved helpful and changed her ways in the end.

The best part of the book, and certainly the part that flowed the fastest for me, was the sting operation by the feds.

I really don't care at this point if Wally is alive or dead.

As far as Wally being from Pulaski County, it was embarrassing and something to be ashamed of.

We really have no idea what is going on at those airports we looked at multiple times every day and for that matter within all of the region.

[Will · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book club read about a local guy who had the looks and charisma, and talent for flying, who turned to a life of smuggling marijuana from Central and South America into the U.S. with some cocaine eventually being involved. Like other reviews, this took place in the 70s/80s when marijuana was a big no-no, and has since been deemed legal in several states. Wally Thrasher aka "The Squirrel" is the man this story is about. I really liked the author's details of the locations, since I've lived in southwest VA since the late 90s. The author does a good job of showing us who Wally was, and his exploits. Early in his smuggling he and a friend end up in a Mexican prison. After 2 years, would think this would set him on the straight and narrow and for a time it does, but the risk/reward was too much of a pull. So over time Wally moves into the big leagues with drug cartels/kingpins, while marrying a lady from Portugal. Despite his exploits, she stays with him, as the lavish lifestyle with nice homes and cars is hard to pass up.

Eventually, a plane crash on Fancy Gap Mountain, VA becomes the beginning of the end for this venture. Wally was not on that flight but his friend was, who survived and got away, but the Feds, State and Local Law Enforcement, eventually tied the plane to Wally.

Wally while in Belize, expected to deliver dope back to the US, crashes. Hear the rumors swirl whether his plane crash was legit or a way for him to drop off the radar. Eventually, his wife, turns and begins helping the DEA and Law Enforcement into all the many names that the author presents in this book, dealing in drug smuggling. Basically, when chasing the Squirrel, they caught bigger game.

Through it all, there is no direct evidence on whether the Squirrel survived or not.

A good read for those who live in southwest Virginia near Roanoke/Blacksburg, and are interested in locals gone bad, and for those who like how deep investigations can go back in the 1980s with catching drug smugglers and the life/death situations they can end up in.

[Dave Price]

I live in Pulaski, VA and know both of the gentlemen who they talked to about Thrasher. Seldom do we have that kind of “celebrity” around here but I think Mr. Peterson did the tale of Mr. Thrasher very well. After watching Narcos and other drug running shows you see how dangerous it must have been to go around asking questions and /or looking for information. Mr. Peterson puts you in cockpit of some of the most dangerous sky roads there have ever been. Read it all in 3 days, couldn’t put it down for long.

[Ethan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ron Peterson, Jr. does it again with this wonderful tale of a big-time drug smuggler out of the backwoods of Southwest Virginia. Following the charismatic Wally Thrasher ("Squirrel"), Peterson takes the reader through the inner workings of the drug trade from drug deals to busts by law enforcement. One thing I truly enjoyed about this book was how charismatic the main characters were. Reading it was a breeze with how well portrayed they were & I often found myself rooting for the infamous drug smuggler as well as the dedicated members of law enforcement on the opposing side.

[Zander Twig · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first half is awesome then the 3rd quarter seems a bit big time name dropping and cool stories that are vaguely simular or related. Wrapped up nicely. Would prob give it 4 stars but hoping 5 will give it the reboot it deserves into a podcast like s town or seriel or even one of those Netflix docuseries you binge then choose your own ending.

[Kristi Martin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast-paced true story of the drug runner Wally Thrasher. I especially enjoyed the story because I live in SW VA and recognized a lot of places in the book. Peterson paints vivid pictures of his characters! He definitely likes to use similes and metaphors to get his points across.

[Rob · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Book is Exceptional

I read this in one sitting - the first book I couldn’t put down. A great true crime story that is very well told (I often find non-fiction can read like a textbook). Peterson brilliantly tells you enough about the characters to know and be interested in them, without losing track of who the players are. Again, great book - well done!

[Randy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Without hesitation, this is one of the top 3 non-fiction books I've ever read. I knew nothing of this story beforehand. I don't know if that added to my amazement of this story or not, but the more I read, the .ore impossible it became to put it down. I will recommend this to many people as soon as I get the chance.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being from the area where a lot of this book takes place, it was extremely interesting. I wasn't living here then, so I missed the news about what transpired during that time period. It was very entertaining reading!

[Troy D · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read

After reading Under the Trestle I wanted to see what else the author had written and was not disappointed. This story grabbed my attention and kept me coming back for more.

[Cat Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Under the Trestle was great. Chasing the Squirrel is even greater. Ron Peterson is such a gifted storyteller and his research is over the top. I hope he investigates more unsolved crimes and writes more books.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book about Wally Thrasher. He was a true legend. Crazy stories about how he went about doing his drug smuggling and often times I would find myself rooting for his good fortune. Even when he died, I still sat there hoping that he would come back to his family. Who knows!

[Deborah Necessary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book since a lot of the action takes place in Southwest Virginia, where I live. Wally Thrasher was very charming, handsome and charismatic. He was an ace pilot and made millions smuggling drugs into Southwest Virginia. Was he really killed in Belize? Who knows?

[Taylor Ewing · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was gifted the book by Wallace’s son, Montana. Montana had shared the story and many things about his dad. This was so cool to hear more in depth things about a friend’s dad! I stick by my belief Wally didn’t die in a crash!

[Matthew M. Laseter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great

I grew up in Ft. Pierce, FL in the 80’s, worked at the airport fueling airplanes! The people and places were familiar. I also vacation in that area of VA so I couldn’t put this down! Well done Ron!

[Jazz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again a unique true story from Ron Peterson Jnr, told in his mind-gripping, sleep-depriving way! Hurry up, Ron, with your next one!

[Rhett van der Stelt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very fun book... the lives some people have lived!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, couldn’t put it down. A pager turner from cover to cover!

[Rita Boland · Rating 5 out of 5]

squirrel sightings

This is an Excellent book written with lots of local history and information. Anxiously awaiting the author’s next book to read.

[Guy Joshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

Throughly enjoyed reading this book. Hopefully The Trestle is just as good.

[Abbey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So cool to learn new local history

[Bob Edward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story

Such a great book. I hesitated for a long time before finally buying and reading this book. Glad I did. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommend.

[Bruce Pancio · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Interesting look into a very different era. Not sure what happened to Wally but Ron provides many theories. Very well written

[Stacie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book, with vivid characters and detailed research done by the author. Towards the end it got confusing because there were so many people involved, but the basic gist was the same. I was amazed at the bravery and wherewithal of his wife, Olga, who seemed to know how to work the reporters and somehow still stay out of trouble. She didn't even go into the witness-protection program! What a badass. I think Wally was probably alive and the drug lord made him work off his debt, then who knows what happened. It's possible the drug lord just killed him, since it was a very scary occupation. He sounded like an amazing pilot and it is a shame he didn't choose a better profession.

[Chris Karnei · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't read true crime. Ever. But we sponsored an event with Ron Peterson, a bunch of the police and DEA agents involved in the case, and Wally's son, Montana, so I had to read it.

Surprise, Surprise! It was really interesting and well done. The folks producing the documentary based on the book also did a really good job (though we only got to see episode one). The book has a lot more information on how Wally Thrasher, Pulaski County football star became Wally Thrasher, one of the best and probably most likable treetop fliers of the 70's and 80's then the show, so if, once the show comes out, you are curious about Wally's life, pick up the book.

[Gladys Yates · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have lived in southwestern Virginia most of my life and appreciated all the references to places I know, such as Claytor Lake, Pulaski, Bland, Wytheville, Roanoke, Abingdon, Mountain Empire Airport, and New River Valley Airport. There were entire chapters in the middle of this book that I skimmed over, because they were after Wally Thrasher’s alleged fatal airplane crash and mostly involved his business associations instead of his family. Until reading this book, I had never heard of Wally Thrasher, which makes sense given that most of the publicity about him and his drug smuggling was in the 1980s.

[Robin J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fascinating story, mostly because it took place several decades ago in my adopted neck of the woods (southwest Virginia). Several characters were known to me, including a couple of defense attorneys, one of whom ended up being my trial advocacy professor in law school, and another who was a colleague of mine the last couple of years. Wild story. Who knew all the intrigue going on in this area prior to my moving here?

[Threasa · Rating 3 out of 5]

The big question is whether Wally Thrasher lived after his plane crashed in Belize. He was a hotshot drug smuggler who was very careful. He was nicknamed Squirrel for his elusiveness. He and his wife lives in Bland County, VA, and a lot of these places are near where I live. That made me even more interested in his story. Wally Thrasher was never caught. So, did he die or not?