"Kingpin’s Downfall: The Carmine Galante Hit Story"

In this thrilling episode of "Kingpin’s Downfall," dive deep into the notorious life and dramatic assassination of Carmine Galante, one of the most feared mobsters in Brooklyn's history. Known for his ruthless dominance in the heroin trade, Galante's story unfolds as a tale of ambition, greed, and betrayal. Discover how, from the gritty streets of New York to the international heroin pathways known as The French Connection, Galante engineered a drug empire that would ultimately lead to his infamous demise in July 1979. With a mix of meticulous research and captivating narrative, we unravel the complexities of his operations, his strategic rise to power even behind bars, and the brutal daylight murder that sealed his fate. Join us as we explore the cunning maneuvers of a mobster who thought he was invincible, providing listeners an insider look at the mafia’s dark operations and the law enforcement takedown. Perfect for true crime aficionados, this episode promises to keep you on the edge of your seat!(00:01–01:54) Carmine Galante was a notorious mobster, deeply involved in narcotics, particularly heroin, from the 1950s. Despite being seen as old, he was feared for his ruthlessness and cunning, leading him to control significant drug operations even from prison.(01:55–03:50) Galante engineered a major comeback in the heroin trade while incarcerated, using his connections to flood New York with drugs, significantly expanding his empire, which made him a prime target for assassination.(07:12–10:30) The complex international heroin trade was described as originating from Turkey, processed in Lebanon and France, and then smuggled into the U.S., a route known as The French Connection. Galante played a central role in establishing this route, securing huge profits.(18:28–28:24) After a long prison term, Galante was paroled in 1974 and quickly re-established his dominance in the heroin trade. He used aggressive tactics, including employing Sicilian hitmen (Zips) for enforcement, and expanded operations using pizza parlors as distribution points.(38:20–47:05) On July 12, 1979, Galante was assassinated at Joe and Mary’s Restaurant in Brooklyn, a hit believed to be orchestrated by his own crime family and the Gambino family due to his refusal to share his vast drug profits and his attempts to dominate other Mafia families. This marked a dramatic end to his controversial life and his ambitious rise in the Mafia.