Ep 9. Gangs & Oil

In Vice season 1 episode 9, titled "Gangs & Oil," the show explores the complex and dangerous relationship between Mexico's drug cartels and the country's oil industry. The episode begins by introducing viewers to the central figure of the story, a man named El Loco who is the leader of one of Mexico's most powerful and violent gangs.

The episode then delves into the ways in which the drug cartels have been able to infiltrate Mexico's oil industry, taking advantage of corruption and lax security measures to siphon off and sell crude oil. The practice, known as "huachicoleo," has become a major source of revenue for the cartels, but it also poses significant environmental risks and has led to numerous explosions and fires.

Vice correspondent Thomas Morton travels to Mexico to speak with experts and officials about the issue, and visits a remote oil field that has become a target for huachicoleros. The scene he encounters is tense and dangerous, with heavily armed gang members keeping a watchful eye on the oil workers.

Throughout the episode, Vice also explores the human toll of the cartels' activities, speaking with families who have lost loved ones in explosions and other accidents caused by huachicoleo. The show also investigates the relationship between Mexico's oil industry and the United States, and the ways in which American companies have contributed to the problem.

Overall, "Gangs & Oil" is an eye-opening look at a little-known but deeply concerning issue facing Mexico and the global economy. The episode is both informative and gripping, presenting a nuanced view of the forces driving the drug cartels and the immense challenges facing those who seek to combat their activities.