Narco Wars Season 3 Episode 6 Chasing the Dragon: Opioid Apocalypse

As the third season of Narco Wars unfolds, the series continues to present an unflinching look at the grit and brutality of the drug trade. In episode six, titled "Chasing the Dragon: Opioid Apocalypse," the show explores the devastating impact of the opioid epidemic on America's Rust Belt.

The episode delves into the origins of the crisis, tracing its roots back to the overprescription of painkillers by doctors in places like West Virginia and Ohio. Narco Wars offers a stark depiction of the ravages of addiction, portraying users who have lost everything to their habit, from their homes to their jobs to their families. The show confronts the human toll of the epidemic head-on, interviewing healthcare professionals and law enforcement officials who have had to grapple with the issue on the front lines.

At the same time, the episode also sheds light on the criminal enterprises that have emerged to exploit the opioid market. Narco Wars details the ways in which cartels have become involved in the production and distribution of synthetic opioids like fentanyl, which can be up to 100 times more potent than morphine. The show reveals how these drugs are smuggled across the border and transported throughout the country, often through the same channels that have long been used for cocaine and heroin.

One of the key figures in the episode is a drug dealer known as "Smokey," who is shown operating in the shadows of an abandoned factory. Smokey talks candidly about his business, revealing how he has transitioned from selling crack to distributing heroin and fentanyl. He discusses the allure of these drugs, which he says can be sold at a much higher profit margin than traditional narcotics.

Throughout the episode, Narco Wars also examines the efforts that have been made to combat the opioid epidemic. We see law enforcement officials cracking down on doctors who overprescribe painkillers, attempting to limit the supply of opioids in the hope of reducing addiction rates. We also see healthcare professionals who are working to help those suffering from addiction, using methods like medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to help wean users off drugs.

One of the most poignant moments in the episode comes when Narco Wars introduces us to a recovering addict named Timmy. Timmy's story is emblematic of the struggles that so many people face as they try to overcome addiction. The episode follows Timmy as he goes through the ups and downs of recovery, wrestling with the temptation to relapse and the challenges of reintegrating into society.

By the end of the episode, viewers are left with a sobering assessment of the opioid epidemic and its ramifications. Narco Wars doesn't shy away from the difficult questions, asking whether America's approach to drug addiction is adequate, and what more can be done to address the crisis. The show makes clear that the opioid epidemic is not just a story about drugs, but a story about people - dozens of whom die every day from overdoses. As such, "Chasing the Dragon: Opioid Apocalypse" is a powerful and timely installment in a series that continues to offer a hard-hitting look at the dark side of the drug trade.