Why Wasn't Fernando Duque Arrested in Narcos: Understanding the Complexity of Corruption and Complicity

The television series Narcos portrays the intricate relationship between drug cartels and government officials, embodied in the character of Fernando Duque. The character, often portrayed as a politician with ties to the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar, illustrates the broader issue of corruption and complicity that characterized the rise of the Medellín Cartel. While the show dramatizes these connections, it's important to understand the real-world factors that would have made it difficult to arrest individuals like Duque.

Mixed Contexts of Corruption and Complicity

During the rise of the Medellín Cartel, many politicians and government figures in Colombia were complicit or turned a blind eye to the cartel's activities. This complicity was fueled by various factors including corruption, fear, and financial incentives. Law enforcement often faced significant challenges when attempting to act against such individuals due to their highly intertwined networks and the power they held.

Reasons for Duque's Escape from Arrest

Fernando Duque's character likely evaded arrest for several key reasons:

Corruption

Many officials were bribed or threatened into compliance. Without solid evidence, it was dangerous for law enforcement to pursue corrupt officials, as many of them had strong protective networks and could retaliate against those who brought them down.

Political Protection

Some politicians had powerful allies who backed them, allowing them to avoid legal trouble. In a highly corrupt political landscape, having the support of influential figures was often the key to survival.

Lack of Evidence

Law enforcement may not have had sufficient evidence to make an arrest, especially in a complex network of intermediaries and informants working for the cartel.

Fear of Retaliation

The violence associated with the Medellín Cartel created a climate of fear among those who might dare to take action against cartel-affiliated individuals. This fear extended to law enforcement, making it difficult to build the necessary evidence or implement successful prosecutions.

The Role of Political and Legal Maneuvering

During the height of the cartel's reign, legal and political maneuvering were commonplace. Characters like Duque often leveraged their connections to secure legal immunity, acting as intermediaries to protect themselves and their networks from the law.

How Dramatization Influences Perception

It's crucial to remember that Narcos is a dramatization and not a recount of real events verbatim. While it captures the essence of the relationship between the cartel and government officials, it also employs artistic license to drive the narrative and entertain viewers.

Understanding the Complexities of Legal Systems and Crime

For anyone interested in the intricate relationship between legal systems and crime, understanding the portrayal of characters like Fernando Duque in Narcos offers valuable insights. This series highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in the face of corruption and complicity, while also emphasizing the often-filthy lengths to which individuals will go to protect their interests.

Conclusion

In summary, while Fernando Duque's character in Narcos may appear to be a clear example of a drug cartel associate, the real-world factors of corruption, political protection, and the lack of concrete evidence made it challenging for law enforcement to take action.