The Barbie Hit Man Says He Ran Drugs Through Panama

Edgar Valdez Villarreal, also known as The Barbie and one of the most feared hit men of the Mexican Beltran Leyva drug cartel, may have been active in Panama as far back as 2006.

The Barbie – described as flamboyant, savagely murderous, of fair complexion, green-eyed and originally from Laredo, Texas – was captured in August of this year outside a Mexican ranch.

In videotaped statements to the Mexican authorities, Valdez said he ran a drug smuggling route from Panama to Mexico and that he transported cash in tractor-trailers back from the United States.

Although Panamanian authorities are not yet confirming any traces of The Barbie in Panama, there is evidence of Beltran Leyva cartel operations in the country.

In November of 2009, Mexican authorities apprehended seven alleged Beltran Leyva drug mules including Ramon Ricardo Martinelli Corro, cousin to Panamanian President Ricardo Martinelli.

Then, in February of this year, two Mexicans tied to the cartel were arrested trying to travel to Panama with $2 million in cash.

The Barbie is the third major drug lord brought down by Mexico in less than a year, described by Mexican President Felipe Calderon on his as “one of the most-wanted criminals in Mexico and abroad.”

The Barbie