Episode Details

From the cities of the Dominican Republic to the streets of Washington Heights to the heart of Brooklyn’s most dangerous neighborhoods, this is the untold story of Adam Diaz — a teenage immigrant who rose to become one of New York’s most powerful cocaine kingpins.

By just 18 years old, Diaz had already made his first million. Within a year, he was moving dozens of kilos a day through a network of bodegas, hidden stash houses, and underground tunnels — building an empire that generated millions of dollars weekly. His operation stretched across boroughs, fueled by direct connections to Colombian suppliers and protected by corruption at the highest levels, including ties to dirty NYPD officers.

But behind the wealth, power, and influence was a world of constant violence, paranoia, and survival. Shootouts in broad daylight, rival crews, federal investigations, and betrayals from within — every move carried deadly consequences.

This conversation dives deep into the rise, expansion, and eventual downfall of Adam Diaz’s drug empire, revealing how the crack era, systemic corruption, and street economics created a perfect storm for one of the most explosive criminal careers of the 1980s.

From million-dollar days to federal prison sentences, this is a raw and unfiltered look at ambition, risk, and the true cost of the drug game.

Go Support Adam! https://kingofbrooklyn.weebly.com/

This Episode Is #Sponsored By The Following:

Hims! To get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more, visit https://hims.com/connect

Prescription required. See website for details and important safety information. Sildenafil is the generic version of Viagra®. Viagra® is a registered trademark of Viatris Specialty LLC. Hims is not affiliated with or endorsed by Viatris.

Shopify! It’s time to turn those “What Ifs” into with Shopify today. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial today at https://shopify.com/mitchell

Ava! Take control of your credit today. Download the Ava app, and when you join using MY promo code CONNECT20, you’ll get 20% off your first year—monthly or annual, your choice.

Join The Patreon For Bonus Content!

https://www.patreon.com/theconnectshow

00:00 Adam Diaz's Rise: Making a Million at 18

02:00 From Dominican Republic to NYC: Early Life

05:30 Dominican Drug Dealers in New York

10:00 Washington Heights & NYC Drug Scene

16:58 This Episode Is Sponsored By Hims!

18:29 Getting into the Game: Family Ties

22:00 First Bodega Hustles and Street Fights

26:00 Taking Over the Drug Spot

29:40 This Episode Is Sponsored By Shopify!

31:56 Scaling Up: Building the Network

35:00 Supply Chains: Colombian Connections

41:00 The Bodega Operation: Logistics & Hidden Tunnels

47:00 Expansion: Multiple Bodegas, Factories & Staff

50:17 This Episode Is Sponsored By Ava!

51:39 Dealing with Cops and Corruption

01:00:00 Major Busts, Stick-Ups, and Surviving Shootouts

01:05:00 Wholesale Moves & Dealing with Competition

01:14:00 Importing Direct: Wanting to Be the Plug

01:18:00 Peak Operations: Moving Serious Weight

01:22:00 Paying Off Police & Dirty Cops in the Mix

01:27:00 Violence, Loyalty, and Surviving Attacks

01:34:00 Going Global: Importing and Losing Millions

01:43:00 The Fall: Getting Caught and Beating the Case

01:51:00 Court Drama and Plea Bargain

01:59:00 Family Reactions and Reflection

02:04:00 Sentencing and Aftermath

02:09:00 Present Day: Life After the Drug Game

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices