The Story of The Milkman: 6. The Catch
Summary
In this episode of *Gangster*, host Livy Haydock details the unraveling of Brian "The Milkman" Wright’s cocaine empire. The narrative follows the DEA’s tracking of transporter Luis Navia in Venezuela and the HMCE’s eventual capture of Wright in Spain after years on the run. The story culminates in Wright’s 2007 trial, where former associates like Jim Goodrich testified against him, leading to a 30-year sentence. The episode highlights how surveillance technology and broken loyalties dismantled the operation, ending with Wright’s release in 2020.
Topics discussed
Introduction and content warnings
DEA agent Eric Kolbinski and the Triggerfish device
Episode 6 intro: The Mejas brothers and the Milkman
Surveillance and arrest of Luis Navier in Venezuela
Luis Navier's interrogation and identity reveal
Extradition of Luis Navier to the US
HMCE tracks Brian Wright in Spain via phone call
Operation to locate and arrest Brian Wright in Spain
The missing evidence problem after arrest
Incarcerated smugglers begin to cooperate
Jim Goodrich's decision to turn on Brian Wright
Connecting the Sea Mist, Jim Goodrich, and Kevin Hanley
The pressure of building the final case
Courtroom security and Brian Wright's arrival
Witnesses and the atmosphere in the dock
Testimony from former insiders and Jim Goodrich
Verdict, sentencing, and Brian Wright's reaction
Jim Goodrich's reflection on his time in prison
Claire Campbell's perspective on the trial
Conclusion: The end of an era and future trafficking
Credits and production team
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