With Boca Grande under absolute control, Gustavo Márquez didn't allow himself a moment's rest. He knew that victory in that battle was only the first step toward consolidating his empire in Santa Marta. The city, divided into neighborhoods and sectors, each with its own gangs and leaders, was a chessboard he needed to dominate completely.
The Purchase of Mamatoco: Expanding the Territory
Mamatoco, the neighborhood bordering Boca Grande, was known for its working-class population and strategic location near the main highways connecting to the country's interior. Several rival gangs there fought for control of the streets and the illegal trade.
But Gustavo had a different plan: he didn't just want to eliminate his enemies — he wanted to buy them.
Using a significant portion of the capital his father and uncle had given him — more than $3 million — he began weaving a network of influence and bribes among low-level gang leaders, corrupt police, and local politicians.
In a series of clandestine meetings held in dark bars and offices overlooking the bay, Gustavo presented an offer no one could refuse: security, money, and a share of the profits in exchange for ceding control of the neighborhood.
Some accepted. Others were eliminated with surgical precision. Within a few weeks, Mamatoco was under Gustavo's indirect command. It wasn't a bloody conquest this time — it was a demonstration of economic and political power.
The Labs: The Foundation of the Empire
With territorial control secured, Gustavo focused on the next crucial step: drug trafficking. Without production, there would be neither power nor money.
Using his connections and capital, he began acquiring several cocaine labs in the outskirts of Santa Marta — some in the hands of legitimate businessmen who were persuaded with irresistible offers, others seized from rival gangs through force or blackmail.
Each lab was carefully outfitted with imported machinery and chemicals, improving both the quality and volume of production. Gustavo personally supervised each operation, implementing strict protocols and controls to avoid infiltration or leaks of information.
Distribution: Networks and Dominance
To manage distribution, Gustavo divided the city into sectors, each overseen by a trusted lieutenant who reported directly to him.
The system functioned like a well-oiled machine:
Land routes were controlled by an armed group exclusively assigned to escort shipments.
At the port, his men ensured that exports went smoothly, avoiding official inspections through bribes and contacts within the navy.
Retail sales were handled by small cells that operated discreetly to avoid attracting police attention.
Consequences and the Rise to Power
Money began flowing in unprecedented amounts across Santa Marta. Gustavo became not just a feared man, but also one respected for his economic might.
The local politicians who had once dismissed him now began seeking alliances, while law enforcement agencies were divided between corruption and the pressure from national and international watchdogs.
But Gustavo didn't let his guard down. He knew the road ahead was filled with enemies — both internal and external — and that every move had to be calculated to stay at the top.