Miami's strategic location on the southeastern coast of Florida made it a prime entry point for drug smuggling from Latin America. Its proximity to the Caribbean and South America facilitated the transportation of cocaine and other substances into the United States. The city's extensive coastline and numerous ports, including the Port of Miami, provided multiple entry points for drug traffickers
The economic opportunities presented by the drug trade were immense. The 1980s saw a boom in cocaine trafficking, with Miami at the center of this illicit industry. The drug trade brought billions of dollars into the city, which were quickly funneled through front organizations into the local economy. This influx of money supported various businesses and contributed to Miami's economic growth during this period