Acknowledgements

Writing a book is always a collaborative affair. After travelling the world to multiple countries over the last four years to investigate the drug war, I appreciate the invaluable advice, assistance, and friendships I’ve experienced with hundreds of people. This book wouldn’t exist without it. There’s justified scepticism about the media and journalists in many nations, so individuals helping me in my quest to reveal and expose the drug war is remarkable. I cherish these interactions, and I remain in touch with many of the sources, fixers, and contacts in this book.

There are many people whose names can’t be listed due to safety concerns, but I thank them for their essential work.

In Honduras, Raul Valdivia was a fixer with extraordinary insights, and I thank him for helping me navigate a very challenging nation. He read the Honduras chapter and offered useful suggestions.

In Guinea-Bissau, Allen Yero Embalo guided me skilfully through a country that very few other journalists ever visit.

In the Philippines, Bernardino Testa knew the streets of Manila so well, and helped explain the brutality of the drug war.

In Britain and the US, Johann Hari kindly connected me with many people who knew what the war on drugs meant on the ground. His generosity is an inspiration.

The following friends, family, contacts, and acquaintances provided everything from thought-provoking conversation to useful links, a bed to rest at the end of the day, connections, and guidance: Yasmine Ahmed, Maryam Alavi, Anthony Arnove, Conor Ashleigh, Wendy Bacon, Reuben Brand, Dan Davies, Paul Farrell, Luke Fletcher, Benjamin Gilmour, Emily Howie, Mark Jeanes, Matt Kennard, Danny Kushlick, Mary and Ross Martin, Anita Martins, Lizzie O’Shea, Mike and Jess Otterman, Selena Papps, Mustafa Qadri, Justin Randle, Jeff Sparrow, Helga Svendsen, and Kaspia Warner.

Thanks to Scribe and Henry Rosenbloom for their guidance, editing prowess, and vital support.

My literary agents, Benython Oldfield, Sharon Galant, and Thomasin Chinnery from Zeitgeist Media Group, who span the globe, read my manuscript, offered great suggestions, and helped push this book into global hands.

Jeffrey Loewenstein is a father with endless supplies of love, energy, and enthusiasm. I thank him for sharing my passion and supporting it. I lost my mother, Violet, during the writing of this book, and I miss her dearly. I like to think she’s looking down and smiling at this book because it advocates for a kinder, gentler world.

Alison Martin has been my partner in crime for many years, and she provides never-ending support, love, adventures, laughs, insights, and honesty. I can’t imagine travelling through life without her. Our first child, Raphael, was born during the research of this book, and he has brought unimaginable joy (and tiredness) to our lives. Becoming a parent with Ali has reinvigorated my commitment to serious journalism, because at its heart it aims to highlight injustice and imagine a better future for our children. I hope he enjoys this book when he can read big words.