About this season
The origins of the drug war in the United States, which spans five decades, and its unexpected effects on American culture, institutions and politics.
Episodes (4)
1. Acid, Spies, & Secret Experiments
Aired 18 June 2017 • 90 min
The roots of America’s War on Drugs reveals secret assassination attempts, the CIA’s bizarre experiments with LSD and support of heroin traffickers, LSD parachuting from the sky, and how it led to a five decade war.
2. Cocaine, Cartels & Crack Downs
Aired 19 June 2017
Cocaine lands in America from secret airports, lining the pockets of violent cartel bosses, and an infamous “black widow,” as the CIA’s shadow wars have unintended consequences. President Reagan cracks down as crack invades the USA.
3. Gangs, Prisons & Meth Queens
Aired 20 June 2017
American cities explode with drug violence as the Clinton administration ramps up prison sentences, and an unlikely meth queen rises, while a crime lord exacts revenge.
4. Heroin, Terrorists & Kings of Pain
Aired 21 June 2017
After 9/11, heroin kingpins and terrorists forge an alliance as Afghanistan becomes a narco-state. Meanwhile, El Chapo takes it on the lam and Big Pharma becomes the new big drug lord as Americans get addicted to prescription drugs.