Economic Distortion: While the cocaine trade spurred growth in banking, real estate, and luxury markets, it created a volatile economy reliant on illegal funds. The "trickle-down" effect enriched some sectors but left others, particularly marginalized communities, grappling with addiction and violence.
Social Costs: The trade’s legacy includes a persistent drug culture and addiction challenges, with Miami still a trafficking hub in 2019, seizing more cocaine by weight than any other state.
Media Misrepresentation: Pop culture exaggerated the glamour of the "Cocaine Cowboys" era, downplaying the human cost. The focus on figures like Escobar and Blanco often overshadows systemic issues like poverty and lax regulation that enabled the trade.
Skepticism of Narratives: Some sources may overstate Miami’s role (e.g., claiming 70% of U.S. cocaine) or glamorize figures like Falcon and Magluta. Always cross-reference with primary data like DEA reports for accuracy.