Ep 8. Crime Towers

Black Market: Dispatches is a fascinating docu-series that takes an in-depth look at the criminal underworld, exploring everything from underground dogfighting rings to the illegal trade of exotic animals. The eighth and final episode of season 1, titled "Crime Towers," is a gripping exploration of the shadowy world of gang-controlled high-rises and the impact they have on local communities.

The episode starts by introducing us to the phenomenon of "vertical ghettos," massive housing complexes that are often controlled by violent gangs. In cities like Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York, these towering structures have become key hubs for drug trafficking, prostitution, and other illicit activities, making them extremely dangerous places to live.

The episode follows a team of investigators who are tasked with infiltrating these high-rises to get a better understanding of the criminal activity taking place there. They speak with former gang members and residents of the buildings, getting a firsthand account of life in these communities and the challenges that come with trying to escape them.

One of the most interesting aspects of the episode is the way it shows how these high-rises are often used to funnel drugs into suburban and rural areas. Because these buildings are so heavily patrolled by police, drug dealers have to be creative in finding ways to transport their product. This has led to a network of "mules" who transport drugs out of the buildings and into surrounding communities, creating a ripple effect of violence and addiction.

The episode also shines a light on the toll that living in these high-rises takes on residents. We hear from families who have lost loved ones to gang violence and mothers who are terrified to let their children play outside. It's a reminder that the people who live in these communities are often victims themselves, trapped in a cycle of poverty and violence with little hope of escape.

Ultimately, the episode serves as a haunting indictment of the way we have ignored these communities for decades. Throughout the '60s and '70s, the government built these high-rises as a way to provide affordable housing to low-income families. But over time, they became neglected and, in many cases, overrun by gangs. Today, many of these buildings are being torn down, but the damage has already been done.

In the end, "Crime Towers" is a sobering look at the intersections of poverty, violence, and corruption, and how they all come together in these towering structures that are supposed to be places of refuge. With powerful interviews and eye-opening hidden camera footage, it's a must-watch for anyone interested in the realities of life in America's most dangerous neighborhoods.