Banged Up Abroad

In the programme, former drug‑smuggler Eddie Padilla recounts how he succeeded in breaking out of one of Peru’s most infamous prison, known locally as the House of the Devil. He describes the circumstances of his capture, the conditions inside the jail and the plan he executed to get out, offering a first‑hand account of the daring escape. Padilla’s narrative provides insight into the lengths he’s gone to in order to free himself from a facility that’s earned a reputation for its harshness and notoriety. As a former drug‑smuggler, Padilla reflects on the choices that led him to the prison and the desperation that drove him to devise such a risky breakout.

In this episode, Frank Cullotta – who worked as an enforcer for the Chicago Outfit – sits down to talk about the notorious crime boss Tony Spilotro. Cullotta recounts Spilotro’s involvement in the Outfit’s operations, describing his life inside the mob and the way he conducted business. He also explains the particular burglary that ultimately exposed Spilotro and led to his capture by authorities, detailing how the theft was traced back to him. He describes the burglary’s planning, execution, and the subsequent investigation that linked it to Spilotro, culminating in his arrest. Throughout the interview, Cullotta offers a first‑hand perspective on the inner workings of the organisation and the events that brought Spilotro’s criminal career to an end.

Rick Cedar turns to stealing radios as a last‑ditch effort to keep his family fed, hoping each illicit haul will bridge the gap between bills and meals. The initial theft, however, quickly spirals, drawing him into a relentless series of offences. With every new crime the pressure mounts, and the consequences begin to close in. Soon enough, the danger is no longer abstract – his very life and his freedom hang in the balance, forcing him to confront the perilous path he’s chosen. Each additional robbery deepens his entanglement, making it harder to step back. The stakes rise as the danger becomes increasingly personal.

The programme looks into the rise of Howard Marks, a university student who turned into one of the globe's most prominent cannabis smugglers. It traces his shift from academic life to building a large‑scale drug network, highlighting the methods and connections that propelled him to the top of the illicit trade. It also follows the gradual collapse of his extensive operation, examining the factors that led to its disintegration. The investigation reveals how the empire he constructed began to fall apart, detailing the unraveling process without adding external commentary. Through interviews and archival material, the series pieces together the chain of events that saw his once‑powerful network crumble under pressure, illustrating the fragile nature of such an enterprise.