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The Last Narc: A Memoir by the DEA's Most Notorious Agent
"Hector Berrellez is a stone warrior, whose astonishing life story took him from the barrios of Tucson to the killing fields of Mexico and the halls of power in D.C. and into the heart of darkness of the most notorious murder in the history of the Drug War. He survived gunfights, assassination attempts and a deep state conspiracy. The fact that he lived to tell the tale is nothing short of miraculous." - Tiller Russell , Film Director, THE LAST NARC Series on AMAZON "Hector was an old-school, dedicated and fearless lawman. I'm glad he was on our side." - Ed Heath, former Supervisor, DEA, Mexico "The truth about the 35 year-old murder of KIki Camarena had to be told. Kiki deserves justice. Hector made it his mission to expose what he discovered and how Kiki was and continues to be betrayed by those he trusted." - Phil Jordan, former DEA Agent IN THIS EXPLOSIVE TELL-ALL, highly decorated DEA special agent Hector Berrellez reveals his lifelong career in law enforcement, including his leading role in one of the most pivotal investigations in the history of federal law Operation Leyenda. Launched by the DEA after the gruesome 1985 abduction, torture and murder of DEA agent Enrique “Kiki” Camarena by Mexican drug cartels, Leyenda was meant to find those responsible. But when Berrellez took over the investigation in 1989, what he uncovered was a tangled web of treachery and deceit. During his gravity-defying ascension through local and federal law enforcement, Berrellez was awarded the prestigious U.S. Attorney’s Award for Heroism, earned the Medal of Valor from the Federal Bar Association, and was honored with multiple commendations by federal law enforcement’s top administrators. But long before that, he was born and raised in the barrio of South Tucson, Arizona, the son of a bricklayer and a woman who learned fortune-telling from the gypsies. Chronically bullied at school as a kid, his father forced him to learn how to fight, a skill that would come in handy in the years to come. While studying Business Administration at the University of Arizona, Berrellez enrolled in the draft and was trained as a combat field medic during the Vietnam War. Following an honorable discharge, he became a Tucson police officer and was quickly tapped to work undercover as a narc for the drug unit. His success busting a Mexican drug dealer trafficking cocaine got the attention of the DEA, where he put his considerable skills to use nabbing even larger drug dealers in Los Angeles amidst the backdrop of the American War on Drugs. After ten successful years at the DEA, he was assigned to Guadalajara, Mexico, the cradle of drug kingpins and ground zero for what would be the biggest turf war in the history of the illegal drug trade. He was determined to root out the cartels guilty of Camarena’s murder, but nothing could have prepared him for life as a narc in Mexico, where he experienced unspeakable evil and corruption. It was this experience, and his unparalleled skill as a narc, that drove DEA leadership to put him in charge of the investigation into Camarena’s death. The horrific murder of Camarena was the match that ignited the tinderbox of the War on Drugs, and even now, over 30 years later, the case pulses in international political quarters as well as in the hearts of citizens across the Americas. So much so, in fact, that the case and its key players remain the subject of folk songs and has been adapted into modern-day pop culture through the globally successful Netflix series Mexico. But what has so far remained unknown about the tragic event are Berrellez’s stunning discoveries.
- GenresCrimeNonfiction
323 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 15, 2020
128 people are currently reading
181 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 18, 2020
I fell down a rabbit hole and ended up here, devouring every last punctuation mark of this look into the life of a Bad Ass. On a cinematic and literary journey that started with Narcos: Mexico (Netflix) and O Plata O Plomo (by James Kuykendall) this is by far the most interesting, easy to read and "are you kidding me?! / holy$$$$!" Inducing.
After watching the docuseries of the same name, I immediately pre-ordered this. I had to force myself to put it down at times, because it was THAT consuming. I expected it to be more centered on the murder of Enrique Camarena, because of the docuseries, but the way that story was woven into Hector Berrellez's narrative of his career was perfect. You learn who he is, as well as getting a deep look into the murder and the events surrounding it.
I really don't want to believe his conclusions, but at the same time, it's almost impossible not to. Because if he is correct.... the only question left to answer, really, is:
"What the hell have we done?"
Not only to Enrique Camarena, or Hector Berellez, but to Every. Single. Addict. in our country? Every. Single. Family. touched and effected by drugs.
Yes, this book is an easy read. Yes, it takes a light tone with a heavy subject. But, if you're paying attention at all, above all else, it makes you think.
This one is definitely going on the "read again" shelf.
After watching the docuseries of the same name, I immediately pre-ordered this. I had to force myself to put it down at times, because it was THAT consuming. I expected it to be more centered on the murder of Enrique Camarena, because of the docuseries, but the way that story was woven into Hector Berrellez's narrative of his career was perfect. You learn who he is, as well as getting a deep look into the murder and the events surrounding it.
I really don't want to believe his conclusions, but at the same time, it's almost impossible not to. Because if he is correct.... the only question left to answer, really, is:
"What the hell have we done?"
Not only to Enrique Camarena, or Hector Berellez, but to Every. Single. Addict. in our country? Every. Single. Family. touched and effected by drugs.
Yes, this book is an easy read. Yes, it takes a light tone with a heavy subject. But, if you're paying attention at all, above all else, it makes you think.
This one is definitely going on the "read again" shelf.
May 24, 2023
Oh my god. A recommendation from my dad! One of those cases where I read the title and thought to myself “most notorious DEA agent?” I’ve never heard of him. Then I looked on GoodReads and saw it had 122 reviews, so I decided to give it a shot but didn’t have high expectations. WELL BUCKLE UP. Turns out that the government has done a LOT to silence this story, this man, etc etc etc. This book is astonishing, life-altering, and so so well written. Recommend for everyone!!
OF NOTE: there could’ve been so much more criticism of the DEA/USA/etc in general, he comes from the perspective of a pretty serious ‘patriot’ but most of his perspective in the book comes before he realizes the truth about Kiki Camerena’s death so I wasn’t bothered that he thought highly of the USA for most of his life.
OF NOTE: there could’ve been so much more criticism of the DEA/USA/etc in general, he comes from the perspective of a pretty serious ‘patriot’ but most of his perspective in the book comes before he realizes the truth about Kiki Camerena’s death so I wasn’t bothered that he thought highly of the USA for most of his life.
January 12, 2021
Outstanding Book, the truth the main stream media doesn’t want revealed
I too am a retired DEA agent. Hector is speaking the truth that no one wants to hear. Every 1811 and federal service owes him a debt of gratitude. Among the working agents, this man is a legend. His honor is not for sale. God bless him and his family
I too am a retired DEA agent. Hector is speaking the truth that no one wants to hear. Every 1811 and federal service owes him a debt of gratitude. Among the working agents, this man is a legend. His honor is not for sale. God bless him and his family
October 13, 2023
Very good, but not without critique. I think the writing style is meant to appeal in the same way an action fiction novel would, which can be a bit simplistic.
However, I think the content more than makes up for it. Political allegiances are never directly brought up, but to me it is clear the author leans more right wing in their beliefs. It’s very interesting to see their disillusionment with the DEA and the war on drugs over time. Even the most loyal company man is still expendable to the empire at the end of the day.
The intricacy in describing the Guadalajara Cartel’s functions, its rise, and the people that built it are fascinating. I think Berellez does a great job of depicting the layers of corruption in the Mexican government whether it be high level political leaders, the DFS, or state police and soldiers.
The writing is also very careful not to include the name of one James Kuykendall, who ended up suing Amazon for the documentary of the same name that implicated him in corruption in the DEA at that time. Not to mention, the involvement of a famous three letter agency in drug trafficking to finance illicit wars and actions abroad.
All in all, I think this is a great read, especially for folks feeling disillusionment with the war on drugs, let alone the actions of the US government in Mexico and beyond. Berellez comes across as quite a reliable narrator regardless of his personal opinions, and his inclusion of court documentation, federal records, and informants lends credence to that idea.
However, I think the content more than makes up for it. Political allegiances are never directly brought up, but to me it is clear the author leans more right wing in their beliefs. It’s very interesting to see their disillusionment with the DEA and the war on drugs over time. Even the most loyal company man is still expendable to the empire at the end of the day.
The intricacy in describing the Guadalajara Cartel’s functions, its rise, and the people that built it are fascinating. I think Berellez does a great job of depicting the layers of corruption in the Mexican government whether it be high level political leaders, the DFS, or state police and soldiers.
The writing is also very careful not to include the name of one James Kuykendall, who ended up suing Amazon for the documentary of the same name that implicated him in corruption in the DEA at that time. Not to mention, the involvement of a famous three letter agency in drug trafficking to finance illicit wars and actions abroad.
All in all, I think this is a great read, especially for folks feeling disillusionment with the war on drugs, let alone the actions of the US government in Mexico and beyond. Berellez comes across as quite a reliable narrator regardless of his personal opinions, and his inclusion of court documentation, federal records, and informants lends credence to that idea.
September 16, 2021
I found this to be an incredibly chilling account of what undercover narcotics work with the DEA is like. I also found it a most depressing account of what the sociopolitical situation in our southern neighbor is like. To me the most disgusting part is the role of the CIA with complicit politicians in this country.
I already knew that there was corruption throughout Mexican politics and law enforcement. I never imagined it to be so utterly pervasive. As he says, the country is a failed state and, I fear, beyond redemption, even though Mr. Berrellez believes that we could turn it around (he says, quite easily).
The sad truth is, I also fear, that as long as there is a demand there will be a supply from somewhere.
I already knew that there was corruption throughout Mexican politics and law enforcement. I never imagined it to be so utterly pervasive. As he says, the country is a failed state and, I fear, beyond redemption, even though Mr. Berrellez believes that we could turn it around (he says, quite easily).
The sad truth is, I also fear, that as long as there is a demand there will be a supply from somewhere.
October 2, 2021
One man's fight...
Hector is a hero, and a victim. As a hero, he dedicated his whole life trying to right the wrongs that he encountered. As a victim, he was betrayed by the very people who tasked him with fighting the societal evils that seem overwhelming. He was haunted by what he experienced as a DEA agent, but he never stopped fighting the good fight. Unbeknownst to him, the "good guys" were never good. He realized evil exists at the highest level of government. Greed is the catalyst of evil. It is insidious and widespread. We as a society can stop it if we join together, United. There are good cops out there; Hector is one of them.
Hector is a hero, and a victim. As a hero, he dedicated his whole life trying to right the wrongs that he encountered. As a victim, he was betrayed by the very people who tasked him with fighting the societal evils that seem overwhelming. He was haunted by what he experienced as a DEA agent, but he never stopped fighting the good fight. Unbeknownst to him, the "good guys" were never good. He realized evil exists at the highest level of government. Greed is the catalyst of evil. It is insidious and widespread. We as a society can stop it if we join together, United. There are good cops out there; Hector is one of them.
September 27, 2022
This is different from the other famous narco books because it's not a journalistic investigation, but the ramblings of an old gringo cowboy with delusions of being Spanish-Mexican.
Thus, this offers a nil or at best very shallow geopolitical insight in the causes originating from the US government to the Mexican state in the creation of the war on drugs. The author's geopolitical knowledge can be resumed in North Koreans and Vietnamese are the bad guys living in communist badlands, and of course America is the good guys personified. Oh, he goes to Panama and mentions on the monument to the French architect who tried to design the first canal, and obviously fails to mention US "intervention" in Greater Colombia that separated Panama from it to serve US imperialism, as usual (his failing to know this, and US business as usual).
His praise to America the Fair, standing justly, strongly and proudly against the darkness of the evil mad world, comes across tiring and insultingly childish, particularly today with all the world (the "free" NATO world is about 12% of the population) pointing at her as the prime culprit of every ill affecting the world.
Agent Berrellez goes on a remembrance of all his deeds while working for the DEA (which he considers the best police in the world) in Mexico and USA and his brushing with the Enrique Camarena murder. He keeps bragging on and on about being Mexican but confuses Spanish for Aztec (which is not a language!) and when it counts he reverts to his American side. He apparently values much more putting people in jail than the life of his informants (which he claims to be in the hundreds); at best he says "This was the 23rd informant who died for me".
It's impossible to focus in the real subject because it's a memoir, so we're listening to this guy talk and can't separate the main issues of his war stories, which become repetitive and boring after a while.
A particularly laughable chapter was when he made an arrest in a bar in California and the people stood up cheering "USA! USA! USA!" and "It felt great to be an American. Yes it did. And it was a good day for the good guys". Come on, what's this?
Anyway, he finally unravels that it was his government and its funding of illegal wars and government coups across the world that's directly and by design fueling the war on drugs on Mexico, the CIA as mastermind using all US government agencies to this purpose. Mexican government being but paid puppets of uncle Sam and its insatiable need for more... But he kinda just mentions it lightly, as in passing by, a waving of the hand, in his epilogue. Also apparently he thinks it's just because a few bad and corrupt agents, or at most a corrupt agency, instead of correctly blaming US government and US weapons corporations as a whole. I don't know if he's not really convinced because his infantile and ignorant view of his own county (no, in spite of his bragging, he's not Mexican), or he "can't say more" as he says about other black-ops for the CIA he supposedly did.
Having said all that, it's always entertaining listening to the ramblings of old men reliving their lives, more so when said lives are rich in a subject. He takes us through as friends having some tequila shots (Tequila 1800, ugh! As if more proof was needed he's really gringo) telling stories to each other, and that was refreshing of this type of books. It's also a quick read so you won't be suffering it for long. His personal and family tragedies make a hard appearance to balance out his macho bravado (he thinks Spanish-Mexican Americans are "the most macho culture in the world"). All in all, I think he landed on his feet when discharged from the DEA for kidnapping a Mexican citizen, an old guy with a dozen horses and a big ranch who managed to came out unscathed from the gringo war on drugs on Mexico (obviating and understanding that his family issues, like the suicide of his eldest, are an indirect consequence, or directly caused by his inattention), is not the most terrible outcome.
It's the worst of the narc famous books, that's for sure, even though there are others that originally were articles in newspapers which got condensed in book format and their narrative suffered from it. Its most redeeming quality is that it directly points to the CIA even if just barely. He never touches US government proper. He also points out Netflix as being irresponsible in portraying these larger than life murderers making them glamour heroes instead of what they really were... but one can't stop wondering if Netflix failing to make him a millionaire had anything to do with it.
In the last pages he makes a lot of fuss about Mexico's government incapacity to protect it's citizens, it's corruption at all levels, that it should've accepted Trump's offer of sending US forces after the LeBaron murders, that it's a failed state... And has the temerity to suggest "Other societies should study Colombia and Mexico to learn the corrosive effects of government corruption." If there was any doubts about the author's utter ignorance of his own government in causing precisely the illnesses affecting Mexico and Colombia, he dispelled them with that phrase.
He goes on with his childish delusions claiming we could end the war in drugs in one week if we just cut off the heads of all cartel leaders and exposing the corrupt government officials protecting or working under them. Both things have been done, the war on drugs keeps on. Again, not a single mention of the primary culprit: America the Fair.
Thus, this offers a nil or at best very shallow geopolitical insight in the causes originating from the US government to the Mexican state in the creation of the war on drugs. The author's geopolitical knowledge can be resumed in North Koreans and Vietnamese are the bad guys living in communist badlands, and of course America is the good guys personified. Oh, he goes to Panama and mentions on the monument to the French architect who tried to design the first canal, and obviously fails to mention US "intervention" in Greater Colombia that separated Panama from it to serve US imperialism, as usual (his failing to know this, and US business as usual).
His praise to America the Fair, standing justly, strongly and proudly against the darkness of the evil mad world, comes across tiring and insultingly childish, particularly today with all the world (the "free" NATO world is about 12% of the population) pointing at her as the prime culprit of every ill affecting the world.
Agent Berrellez goes on a remembrance of all his deeds while working for the DEA (which he considers the best police in the world) in Mexico and USA and his brushing with the Enrique Camarena murder. He keeps bragging on and on about being Mexican but confuses Spanish for Aztec (which is not a language!) and when it counts he reverts to his American side. He apparently values much more putting people in jail than the life of his informants (which he claims to be in the hundreds); at best he says "This was the 23rd informant who died for me".
It's impossible to focus in the real subject because it's a memoir, so we're listening to this guy talk and can't separate the main issues of his war stories, which become repetitive and boring after a while.
A particularly laughable chapter was when he made an arrest in a bar in California and the people stood up cheering "USA! USA! USA!" and "It felt great to be an American. Yes it did. And it was a good day for the good guys". Come on, what's this?
Anyway, he finally unravels that it was his government and its funding of illegal wars and government coups across the world that's directly and by design fueling the war on drugs on Mexico, the CIA as mastermind using all US government agencies to this purpose. Mexican government being but paid puppets of uncle Sam and its insatiable need for more... But he kinda just mentions it lightly, as in passing by, a waving of the hand, in his epilogue. Also apparently he thinks it's just because a few bad and corrupt agents, or at most a corrupt agency, instead of correctly blaming US government and US weapons corporations as a whole. I don't know if he's not really convinced because his infantile and ignorant view of his own county (no, in spite of his bragging, he's not Mexican), or he "can't say more" as he says about other black-ops for the CIA he supposedly did.
Having said all that, it's always entertaining listening to the ramblings of old men reliving their lives, more so when said lives are rich in a subject. He takes us through as friends having some tequila shots (Tequila 1800, ugh! As if more proof was needed he's really gringo) telling stories to each other, and that was refreshing of this type of books. It's also a quick read so you won't be suffering it for long. His personal and family tragedies make a hard appearance to balance out his macho bravado (he thinks Spanish-Mexican Americans are "the most macho culture in the world"). All in all, I think he landed on his feet when discharged from the DEA for kidnapping a Mexican citizen, an old guy with a dozen horses and a big ranch who managed to came out unscathed from the gringo war on drugs on Mexico (obviating and understanding that his family issues, like the suicide of his eldest, are an indirect consequence, or directly caused by his inattention), is not the most terrible outcome.
It's the worst of the narc famous books, that's for sure, even though there are others that originally were articles in newspapers which got condensed in book format and their narrative suffered from it. Its most redeeming quality is that it directly points to the CIA even if just barely. He never touches US government proper. He also points out Netflix as being irresponsible in portraying these larger than life murderers making them glamour heroes instead of what they really were... but one can't stop wondering if Netflix failing to make him a millionaire had anything to do with it.
In the last pages he makes a lot of fuss about Mexico's government incapacity to protect it's citizens, it's corruption at all levels, that it should've accepted Trump's offer of sending US forces after the LeBaron murders, that it's a failed state... And has the temerity to suggest "Other societies should study Colombia and Mexico to learn the corrosive effects of government corruption." If there was any doubts about the author's utter ignorance of his own government in causing precisely the illnesses affecting Mexico and Colombia, he dispelled them with that phrase.
He goes on with his childish delusions claiming we could end the war in drugs in one week if we just cut off the heads of all cartel leaders and exposing the corrupt government officials protecting or working under them. Both things have been done, the war on drugs keeps on. Again, not a single mention of the primary culprit: America the Fair.
February 12, 2025
This is the complete insiders look into the abduction, torture, and killing of DEA agent Kiki Camerena. The author not only was tasked with uncovering what happened to Kiki he also discovered wide spread corruption not only by the Mexican government but also the government he gave his life to. Twist and turns and an honest self reflection of what it cost he paid as a man but the cost he paid to his wife and children. I highly recommend this book especially right now considering the border issue we are having as a country
March 28, 2025
I really respect the author of this book and have major interests in the subject matter.
The introduction and main body were fascinating to read and take in. I however wish that more emphasis had been given to what I thought would be the main plot point of the memoir: the investigation into the abduction and murder of DEA agent Kiki Camarena. This story was explored in some interesting detail, but it did not seem to be the main emphasis of the memoir (and maybe it was my fault to believe that it would be).
Overall I found this to be a good read with intelligent points and pieces.
The introduction and main body were fascinating to read and take in. I however wish that more emphasis had been given to what I thought would be the main plot point of the memoir: the investigation into the abduction and murder of DEA agent Kiki Camarena. This story was explored in some interesting detail, but it did not seem to be the main emphasis of the memoir (and maybe it was my fault to believe that it would be).
Overall I found this to be a good read with intelligent points and pieces.
January 6, 2025
A True Hero
I first read about the Camarena case as a teenager almost forty years ago. I was enraged at the corruption that allowed it to happen. Mr. Bererrellez is a true hero for what he put into solving his murder. I'm glad to know that Felix Rodriguez will one day stand before God for the evil he has taken part in!
I first read about the Camarena case as a teenager almost forty years ago. I was enraged at the corruption that allowed it to happen. Mr. Bererrellez is a true hero for what he put into solving his murder. I'm glad to know that Felix Rodriguez will one day stand before God for the evil he has taken part in!
March 14, 2021
I watched Hector's documentary and had to get the book. This guy could be the boogey man the cartels talk about when putting their kids to bed. Gruesome, intelligent and a bit of dark humour. Hector is the thing of legend
January 10, 2022
Who knows better what our drug and immigration policies should be than a man on and behind the front lines. Good streaming TV series on Hector is also available. Both book and series well worth the time to view.
September 10, 2022
enlightening take on the futility of the war on drugs
A moving and deeply personal account of one DEA agent’s heroic efforts to bring the murderers of Kiki camarena to justice. The level of corruption he discovers in both Mexico and the US is shocking.
A moving and deeply personal account of one DEA agent’s heroic efforts to bring the murderers of Kiki camarena to justice. The level of corruption he discovers in both Mexico and the US is shocking.
October 1, 2020
Excellent!
Could not stop reading! Hector is a magnificent story-teller, very genuine and sincere! Appreciate his service and dedication! We need more people like him!
Could not stop reading! Hector is a magnificent story-teller, very genuine and sincere! Appreciate his service and dedication! We need more people like him!
October 17, 2020
Amazing!
This book blew me away. Realism like nothing else I have read before. Beforewarned, the violence depicted is extremely graphic. It will shake you to the core of your soul.
This book blew me away. Realism like nothing else I have read before. Beforewarned, the violence depicted is extremely graphic. It will shake you to the core of your soul.
November 3, 2020
Very interesting point of view.
Reveals the corruption in all aspects of government.
An interesting view from the inside of the DEA.
Money wins out.
Reveals the corruption in all aspects of government.
An interesting view from the inside of the DEA.
Money wins out.
January 28, 2022
Awesome
Excellent and honest account on drugs, corruption, and criminals on both sides of the bars. I really enjoyed this book.
Excellent and honest account on drugs, corruption, and criminals on both sides of the bars. I really enjoyed this book.
June 16, 2023
Crazy story and life, glad he wrote about it and shared his experience
January 2, 2025
A great read on the modern wild West.
January 30, 2022
Really enjoyed reading this book having recently watched the Last Narc documentary on Amazon Prime.
Fast paced page turner, covering Hector's early years growing up, his time in the Army, working in the police force and then joining the DEA working as an undercover agent to then leading Operation Leyenda.
It highlights the power of the Cartels in Mexico and the corruption that is rife on both sides of the border.
Fast paced page turner, covering Hector's early years growing up, his time in the Army, working in the police force and then joining the DEA working as an undercover agent to then leading Operation Leyenda.
It highlights the power of the Cartels in Mexico and the corruption that is rife on both sides of the border.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews