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Former drug kingpin Freeway Rick Ross returns to VladTV for a wide-ranging conversation covering global politics, the drug trade, and his personal journey from street legend to businessman.
Ross opens the interview by addressing the recent U.S. operation involving Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, comparing it to the capture of Manuel Noriega during the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama. He breaks down how similar tactics appear to be used when the U.S. targets foreign leaders, reflecting on how those situations unfold politically and militarily. Recent reports have even drawn direct comparisons between Maduro’s capture and Noriega’s case, where both faced U.S. custody and legal proceedings .
Ross then dives into his own past, detailing his involvement in the drug pipeline connected to Nicaragua and his relationship with supplier Danilo Blandón. He explains how large-scale cocaine operations were structured and how geopolitical conflicts like the Iran-Contra era intersected with the drug trade. During his peak, Ross was moving massive quantities of cocaine across Los Angeles and beyond, building a nationwide empire before ultimately serving prison time .
The conversation shifts to current cartel dynamics, including discussion about the death of El Mencho and how leadership changes can create instability and violence in Mexico. Ross offers his perspective on how cartel structures evolve and why power vacuums often lead to chaos.
Ross also speaks on his transition into legal business, including running a cannabis dispensary in the post-legalization era. He explains the unexpected financial challenges, citing heavy regulations, taxes, and city restrictions that make it difficult to turn a profit—even in a legal market.
Reflecting on his life, Ross shares stories about near-death experiences, including a close call where he was almost kidnapped, and emphasizes the importance of loyalty in the drug world. He contrasts that mindset with his current focus on growth, business, and mentorship.
In the second half of the interview, Ross discusses rebuilding relationships, including reconciling with Wack 100, and his involvement in boxing through his management ventures. He criticizes modern fighters for not maximizing their celebrity and earning potential outside the ring.
The conversation closes with financial advice, as Ross and Vlad discuss investing, discipline, and long-term wealth building. Vlad shares his own stock market success, pointing to significant gains in recent years, while Ross stresses the importance of patience, frugality, and understanding concepts like compound interest.
