Brief Summary
This National Geographic documentary explores the dangerous drug trade in Chicago leading up to and during the 4th of July weekend, a time when violence and drug activity surge. It follows key players like Nacho, a cocaine kingpin aiming for a massive payday, Rambo, a street dealer pushing molly, the Stain Gang, a stick-up crew targeting drug dealers, and law enforcement officers trying to control the chaos. The documentary highlights the risks, motivations, and consequences faced by those involved in the drug trade, set against the backdrop of a city celebrating its independence amidst rampant crime.
- The 4th of July in Chicago is a period of heightened drug activity and violence.
- Key players include drug kingpins, street dealers, stick-up crews, and law enforcement.
- The documentary captures the risks, motivations, and consequences of the drug trade.
Nacho's Cocaine Operation
Nacho, a cocaine kingpin in Chicago's South Side, aims to make $10 million and leave the drug trade. He is preparing for the 4th of July weekend, a period of high demand for cocaine, by cutting his last kilo to increase its volume by 50%. Nacho buys a kilo of cocaine for $28,000 and can sell up to five kilos a week, but he needs to re-up to make $100,000 to $200,000 during the holiday. He plans to smuggle 20 kilos into Chicago, emphasizing the importance of a trustworthy driver who knows the risks involved.
Pepper's Risky Delivery
Pepper, a truck driver, is paid $5,000 to $10,000 per trip to traffic cocaine for Nacho, picking up 20 kilos from Phoenix, Arizona, a distribution hub from Mexico. Chicagoland cops have set up a "ring of steel" around the city to intercept drug traffickers during the 4th of July surge. Investigator Mike and Detective Eddie are on the front lines, vigilant for any suspicious activity, viewing their work as a "chess game" against evolving drug operations.
Cops on Patrol
Investigator Mike and Detective Eddie are patrolling, looking for drug traffickers. They pull over a driver for running a light, a violation of the "act natural" rule for smugglers. The driver has an active warrant, and his nervous behavior raises suspicion. A passenger is also found to have a nationwide warrant for dealing cocaine and methamphetamine. A ripped Ziploc bag is found, and the passenger is suspected of swallowing its contents, leading to their arrest.
The Stain Gang's Ambitions
Pepper successfully smuggles Nacho's cocaine past the police, but the danger isn't over due to the presence of stick-up crews like the Stain Gang. The Stain Gang specializes in robbing drug dealers, particularly cocaine dealers, and converting the product into crack. They are motivated by violence and aim to score big during the 4th of July, needing to find a suitable target.
Nacho's High-Security Delivery
Nacho takes delivery of the cocaine from Pepper, making him vulnerable to rival gangs and law enforcement. He emphasizes security, ensuring his crew is armed and alert due to police presence. Nacho brings in $2 million worth of cocaine for the 4th of July, highlighting the high stakes and potential life sentences involved. The crew is on edge, suspecting they are being followed.
The Dangers of July 4th
Nacho and his crew are spooked by a knock on the door, aware that the 4th of July is their busiest and most dangerous time. Nacho explains that the holiday is prime time for executions, as the sound of firecrackers masks gunshots, overwhelming law enforcement. He secures his load and plans to leave Chicago to avoid the violence, leaving street dealers to fend for themselves.
Rambo's Molly Hustle
Rambo, a street dealer, has switched from selling ecstasy to molly, a drug he claims is more potent and popular with women. He makes up to $1,500 a day selling molly and anticipates facing opposition from rival dealers during the 4th of July. Rambo plans to re-up his supply multiple times before the holiday and emphasizes the need for heavy weaponry to protect his turf.
Police Intercept a Drug Dealer
Detective Kaechele, patrolling in an unmarked car, spots a woman driving suspiciously in a high narcotics area. After losing her briefly, he finds her again and pulls her over, noticing the strong smell of weed in her car. The woman is found with ounces of high-strength cannabis in her handbag, leading to her arrest and preventing her from celebrating her independence on July 4th.
Mercenary's Crack Operation
At the Stain Gang's trap house, Mercenary is cooking stolen cocaine into crack and branding each bag to signify its high quality. The trap house attracts many customers, increasing exposure and attention from law enforcement. Detective Kaechele identifies the trap house and attempts to set up a buy with a confidential informant, but the informant stalls, leading to frustration and a need to expedite arrests.
The Trap House Raid
Sergeant Giamberduca and his squad raid a trap house suspected of heavy drug traffic, potentially stocking up for the 4th of July weekend. The team breaches the house, apprehending suspects and finding them in the process of cooking crack. They recover money, drugs, and paraphernalia, leading to trafficking charges. The raid disrupts one gang's operations but does not stop the overall violence.
Ken's Hunt for Violence
Ken Herzlich, a news cameraman, has covered the annual 4th of July violence in Chicago for 22 years. He monitors police radios and social media to find newsworthy events, noting that violence escalates with the heat. Ken arrives at the scene of the first shooting of July 4th, a double homicide in West Englewood, highlighting the day's grim reality.
Rambo's Block Party
As drug-fueled parties erupt across Chicago on the 4th of July, the Stain Gang seeks to capitalize on the chaos. They have been following a target, hoping to find his stash house. Rambo, a street dealer, re-ups his molly supply for his neighborhood's block party, planning to give away free samples to attract new customers. He is aware of the high potential for violence and relies on lookouts for protection.
The 4th of July Chaos
Tourists gather at Navy Pier for fireworks, while on the South Side, the sounds of fireworks mask gunfire. Rambo distributes "party packs" of molly, but the need to do business on the street makes him vulnerable. News cameraman Ken Herzlich rushes to a shooting, highlighting the senseless violence and the impact it has on him, as he has been diagnosed with PTSD.
Violence Erupts
Rambo pushes his molly at the block party, with one partygoer, Zoe, already feeling the effects. Rambo remains vigilant, spotting potential rivals and preparing for violence. Gunfire erupts, and Ken Herzlich rushes to another shooting, where 34-year-old Cory Hudson is killed and 35-year-old Robert Cotton is critically wounded.
Aftermath and Reflection
Robert Cotton dies two days later, marking a particularly bloody 4th of July weekend in Chicago. The Stain Gang counts their gains, having made $50,000 in cash and drugs, but at the cost of one of their own being arrested and a rival dealer's life. Nacho returns to town, having made $175,000 to $200,000 over the weekend. Rambo lies low, acknowledging the increased violence and the struggle for survival on the streets.
