CLAW OF THE DRAGON

About the Book

Mike Vigil rose from humble beginnings in the Northern New Mexico village of Española to lead America’s effort against treacherous international drug traffickers and cartel bosses. He is a legend in the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and far beyond. From Mexico to Honduras, the Caribbean to Afghanistan, Vigil’s name is celebrated in far-flung regions of the world for his ability to bring disparate law enforcement and military entities together to take down some of the most dangerous criminals on the planet. In a career spanning more than three decades, Vigil faced down death many times and was known for being “first through the door” on operations that led to thousands of arrests and seizures of tons of dangerous drugs and millions of narco dollars. After his retirement from the DEA, Vigil embarked on a new career as an author and authority on the ever-evolving world of the increasingly violent drug cartels. His fast-paced novels have the clarion ring of authenticity, and for good reason: He’s been there and done that. From foot soldier to field general, and now a successful author and top authority on the continuing campaign against drug trafficking in America and around the world, Mike Vigil’s life is a testament to the good that can be accomplished against formidable odds by one brave man. Viva Mike Vigil. John L. Smith Author of Saints, Sinners, and Sovereign Citizens: The Endless War over the West’s Public Lands

About the Author

Michael S. Vigil, born and raised in Española, New Mexico, earned his degree in Criminology at New Mexico State University where he graduated with Honors. He later joined the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and became one of its most highly decorated agents. He served in thirteen foreign and domestic posts and rose through the ranks to the highest levels of the Senior Executive Service. He was the Special Agent in Charge of the Caribbean and San Diego Divisions. He further served as the Chief of International Operations in charge of all DEA offices worldwide. Mr. Vigil has received numerous awards during his elite career such as law enforcement’s most prestigious recognition: The National Association of Police Organization’s (NAPO) Top Cop award. This award is only given to ten law enforcement heroes each year from thousands of submissions nationwide. Many foreign governments have honored Mr. Vigil for his extraordinary and courageous efforts in the violent struggle against transnational organized crime. He is the only American to be made an Honorary General by the country of Afghanistan. China bestowed him with the “Key to the City of Shanghai.” The President of the Dominican Republic presented him with an Admiral’s sword at an International Drug Enforcement Conference. He is mentioned in over twenty-five books and appears on worldwide documentaries, and popular television programs such as Gangsters: America’s Most Evil, The Rise and Fall of El Chapo, Manhunt: Kill or Capture, and NETFLIX’S Drug Lords. He is a contributor to CNN, MSNBC, NBC, ABC, CBS, Telemundo, Univision, Chinese Global Television, NPR, TRT, Al Jazeera, BBC, TV Azteca, El Financiero Bloomberg, FOX, NTN 24, Caracol Television, CNN Español, and dozens of internationally syndicated newspapers and radio stations. He is also a contributor to the highly regarded Cipher Brief. His highly acclaimed memoir, DEAL, was released in 2014. Metal Coffins: The Blood Alliance Cartel, Narco Queen, Land of Enchantment Cartel, Afghan Warlord, and the Rise of the Sicario are his five fiction novels. Many of the scenarios, however, are derived from his extensive experience as an undercover agent. He is the only American to have a corrido (ballad) made in his honor by Alberto Angel AKA El Cuervo, a famous recording artist and composer in Mexico. Mr. Vigil was responsible for the largest and most successful operations in the DEA’s history. The most significant one involved thirty-six countries in the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America. After the fall of the Taliban in Afghanistan, he designed and implemented Operation Containment consisting of twenty-five countries, to include the China and the Russia. Prior to this initiative, only a few kilograms of heroin were seized in the region. During the first year of Operation Containment over twenty-four tons were seized in this same region. The U.S. Congress continues to fund the highly successful initiative. He also developed regional intelligence centers allowing foreign countries to exchange information on transnational organized crime. The centers are now operational globally. Mr. Vigil was one of the most intrepid and legendary undercover agents in the history of the DEA. He successfully infiltrated some of the most violent and dangerous cartels in the world.