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  • The Candy Machine

  • How Cocaine Took Over the World
  • By: Tom Feiling
  • Narrated by: Adrian Mulraney
  • Length: 12 hrs and 21 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (33 ratings)
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The Candy Machine cover art

The Candy Machine

By: Tom Feiling
Narrated by: Adrian Mulraney
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Summary

In The Candy Machine, Tom Feiling travels the trade routes from Colombia via Miami, Kingston and Tijuana to London and New York. He meets Medellín hitmen, US kingpins, Brazilian traffickers and talks to soldiers and narcotics officers who fight the gangs and cartels. He traces cocaine's progress from legal ‘pick-me-up' to luxury product to global commodity, looks at legalization programmes in countries like Switzerland, and shows how America's anti-drugs crusade is actually increasing demand. Cutting through the myths about the white market, this is the story of cocaine as it's never been told before.

©2009 Tom Feiling (P)2011 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd
United States Social Sciences
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Critic reviews

“A vivid, argumentative, arresting book based on extensive interviews with people involved in the cocaine routes which run from Colombia to American and British cities.” ( The Telegraph)
"I’ve read a few documentary accounts of the rise of cocaine and this might be the best of them. It’s clear sharp and solid. Very well told." ( The Evening Standard)
“It’s hard to decide if Tom Feilings future lies as a QC or the new Paul Theroux.” ( The Sunday Telegraph)

What listeners say about The Candy Machine

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Profile Image for NoirWriter

Worldwide Coverage & The Truth

Excellent, a historical, political and street level clear explanation of the cocaine trade. Highly recommended.

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Profile Image for Will

Great book

Very informative book ; covers the history and the inevitable corruption of officials /governments in the war against the cocaine trade. The way common sense is ignored ie prohibition . Also mentions the positive uses of the drug : south american coca drink - 3 different Popes have used this coca tea !

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Profile Image for Nick Anderson

Superb!

incredibly honest and refreshing look at prohibition and criminalisation of drugs and cocaine. truly inspirational insights

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Profile Image for olivia

interesting and eye opening.

a really good insight into the war on drugs and how it has failed us

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