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Javier Panama, a former drug kingpin, sits down with VladTV to tell the story of his violent past, lengthy prison sentence, and eventual deportation. Born in Santa Cruz, Panama, Javier describes beginning a life of crime at just 14 years old, robbing tourists before escalating into drug trafficking and armed robberies. By 17 and 18, he had already been shot by police, setting the tone for a life shaped by conflict and survival.
After moving to the United States—first to Brooklyn and later to Washington, D.C.—Javier became deeply involved in the drug trade. He speaks about his role in multiple violent crimes, including the murder of Billy Ray Tolbert and a kidnapping-for-ransom case involving a Colombian national. Arrested in 1991, Javier was sentenced to 113 years in prison for multiple murders and drug trafficking charges. Despite pressure to cooperate with authorities, he refused, citing loyalty to his principles.
The interview also explores Javier’s encounters with notorious D.C. figure Wayne Perry, intense prison politics, and violent altercations behind bars—including a stabbing incident that left both men injured. He discusses alleged prosecutorial misconduct, claims of racial bias during jury selection, and the plea deal that ultimately reduced his sentence and led to his deportation back to Panama.
Post-release, Javier faced cultural shock and little reentry support, forcing him to rebuild his life from scratch. Now focused on redemption and storytelling, he emphasizes the importance of recognizing one’s potential, the role of family support, and learning from past mistakes. Javier is currently working on a series to share his story, hoping it serves as a cautionary tale and a message of transformation rather than glorification.
