Health Politics Events Local 2025-12-05T16:37:39+00:00

Testimony of a 14-year-old 'soldier' of the drug mafia

A 14-year-old boy testified in court about his experience working for a drug mafia in Rosario, his recruitment via Instagram, his earnings, and his resentment towards his mother who couldn't escape poverty.


Testimony of a 14-year-old 'soldier' of the drug mafia

A 14-year-old boy recounted his terrible experience in Rosario's courts. He was recruited by a narcotics-related gang through Instagram. They offered him money, sneakers, and a cell phone. He accepted because at the time he was separated from his parents and lost in drugs. The boy stated that he earned about 30,000 pesos a week but consumed more than he earned. He also mentioned that his mother had been working for 14 years but had never been able to get ahead, which filled him with resentment. He explained that he was recruited «to have the contacts of all the drug users in the area.» He said that in the bunker, two people worked 12-hour shifts each, selling around 6 million pesos worth of drugs weekly, while they were only given 150,000. Sales later moved to the street. He also recounted that his house was taken from him due to debts accumulated with the point of sale's administrators. Ultimately, he was able to get out thanks to his mother and a complaint that put him under protection.