Original subtitles

A NETFLIX ORIGINAL SERIES

We had nothing to do with this.

Because, as you know,

we don't like war. Don't forget it.

Besides, all of our business is family business.

WELCOME TO CALI

From the start, my brother and I gave it our all.

And when we least expected it, the company grew.

Because the business is headed from heaven's branch

to the end of the world.

I assume that's why we're respected everywhere.

THIS IS A WORK OF FICTION BASED ON THE CHARACTERS OF THE BOOK

EL CARTEL DE LOS SAPOS. THE FACTS APPEARING HEREIN

ARE A PRODUCT OF THE AUTHORS' IMAGINATIONS.

SOME SITUATIONS, BASED ON REAL FACTS,

HAVE BEEN MODIFIED AND ENHANCED FOR AN AUDIOVISUAL FORMAT.

We can't wait any longer.

So they don't care about the damn diplomats?

Perfect. We know how things stand.

Are they giving us trouble?

The old man says they own the police all over the world.

DEL VALLE HIGH SCHOOL

Mariano!

You're a bastard!

Why? Because I want the best for Federico?

No, because you use your degree

and your medical practice against me.

I'm so sorry, Mayerly,

but it's not my fault that you sell empanadas for a living.

It's my fault.

For getting involved with you.

Isn't it a bit late for regrets?

Why do you want to hurt me?

You know I'd die for my baby.

Listen, Mayerly.

The problem is you don't understand.

This isn't revenge. I'm doing it for the boy!

Perhaps it's payback for leaving you?

Because I wouldn't take it? I wouldn't put up with you?

But listen, Mariano.

You think you can screw me over with your money,

-but you're mistaken! -Stop it!

Think what you want.

But I warn you, this time the crocodile tears will get you nowhere.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE DEPARTMENT

And I thought, "I have to tell the truth."

It's the right thing to do.

Integrity is the only thing

that keeps you out of trouble.

Please, get to the point.

The boy is a crook, officer.

He's into bad stuff.

And I think he's been stealing from those Swiss guys.

Emanuel told you?

I only translated some documents.

Some résumés listing the diplomats' degrees and positions.

Who commissioned it?

Emanuel, Nora's brother.

Can you prove what you are saying?

He sort of hinted at it.

I warned him. I said, "Boy,

be careful with those people."

But he has no respect or morals.

Did they say why they wanted it?

No.

From what I know, the man is a hustler.

That's not necessarily bad, is it?

Do you think he's involved in Noah and Markuz's kidnapping?

I wouldn't know, officer.

I came here to collaborate with the justice system.

To warn you.

Because that boy is no angel.

CALI DAYS LATER

We can't release those guys

-unless they pay. -Look, Nachito.

If the diplomats haven't paid up,

it's because those two are nobodies. They know nothing.

That's it. We gotta set 'em free.

We lose the dough but save our skins.

You have to go on the lam.

Don't worry, I can look after myself.

Of course I worry.

We can't let the taxi owner or Hugo blab and screw us.

But we are all already involved.

It's not the same!

You leave Cali and we'll see what we do.

Don't worry. It's the best we can do now.

Parra.

Mr. Consul, hello.

You know when and where they'll be released?

What do they think?

They think they can order us around?

Don't worry. They're always making threats.

We'll set up our own rescue.

Yes, sir. Bye.

No funny business or...

Look, bang! I'll kill you.

-Move! -Go on.

This way. Come on!

Go on.

Come up.

Move, go on.

You, can you hear me?

Here.

Faster, or you know... bang!

I'll kill you.

Okay?

Hey, faster!

These dudes are wimps. Get a move on.

Move.

I find this sudden trip of yours very strange, Emanuel.

But, honey, what can I do? Mr. Francisco called me

and asked me to take the clients to Cartagena myself.

To Cartagena?

-Yes. -You're driving?

-Sure. -Don't play me for a fool.

It's as easy as ABC.

Three, four days tops.

And I'm getting paid, and we could use that money.

I don't want to spend four days alone.

I won't be able to sleep, thinking of you,

without hearing from you.

I don't want us to be apart so long.

You're so sweet. I'll miss you too,

but I promise...

I promise you I'll call every day.

If anything happens, I'll let you know.

What do you mean? What could happen?

-Or what? -Nothing.

There may be hiccups when traveling by car.

-"Hiccups"? -Yes.

-Like what? -A closed-off road,

a traffic jam, a landslide.

But, God willing, none of that will happen to us.

Okay?

Now, do me a favor.

Please, don't tell anybody I'm out of town, okay?

Wait, what? Why...?

In this business,

the fight for clients is fierce.

Everybody is trying to steal jobs,

always hustling.

Really?

The smart thing is to lie low.

If you say so.

Look at me.

You take care.

Take care of my sweet baby.

And light a candle for me, so I can return soon.

Look alive.

Ibarra, you stay here.

Backup is on the way. Rodríguez, let's go.

This way.

I can't take it anymore.

Stay strong, this is the end.

They brought us here to die of hunger and thirst.

Did you hear that?

Help!

National Police!

Are you Mr. Noah Favre and Mr. Markuz Philibert?

Yes, we are here. Help us, please.

-Yes, it's us! -Help!

We are tied up.

I'm Officer Hernando Parra, National Police.

As of now, you are free men.

-Are you okay? -Yes, thanks.

Help me untie them, boys.

I memorized the way.

I know every curve,

every tree, every turn.

I think I can lead you to where they kept us.

Are you sure?

Let's go get them.

Rodríguez!

Get some men. We are going after those guys.

Ibarra, Páez.

Thank you, sir.

Thank you.

It's all right.

You'll be okay.

Let's go down. Slowly.

We're out! Take all of this!

Sweetie, get the food and plates.

Get rid of all the evidence.

Put it in there.

Nine, ten, eleven...

That way?

Straight ahead.

Noah, are you all right?

Take your time.

It's that way.

After the forest, to the left.

That must be the house.

All right.

Well done, Noah. Everything will be okay.

Páez, go with him. Wait for backup.

Rodríguez, Guerrero, Ibarra, come with me.

Let's go.

-Freeze! -Fuck!

Round the back!

Go! Round the back!

Turn yourself in!

National Police!

Turn yourself in!

-Freeze! -Now!

I'm unarmed!

Did you ever think you would die?

Several times.

It's true, isn't it?

It was an ordeal,

we were exhausted...

and scared.

Today the city celebrates your rescue.

Do you want to thank anybody?

The National Police,

the consulate,

and personally,

I want to thank the person who helped me stay strong,

to make it till the end.

Hugo de la Cruz,

thanks to you,

everything I've been through here has been worth it.

General, I'm proud to say justice has been served.

Leonardo Villegas Ulloa has been charged with kidnapping.

So I've been told. Congratulations.

Thank you, General.

Two guys escaped during the raid.

And Emanuel Villegas is still on the run.

Of course, this arrest will lead us to the others.

You did an excellent job, officer.

Keep me in the loop on every step from now on.

Understood, General.

To tell the truth, we never expected to find Villegas there.

I have another request.

I don't want this to reach the press yet.

If we want to nab the rest,

we need to be careful at every step,

otherwise we could ruin everything.

Yes, General, you can count on our discretion.

I won't keep you.

Bring Leonardo Villegas's file to my office right away.

Enjoy it.

Dad!

You have no idea what I...

Don't come near me.

Today is the saddest day of my life.

They should have left you in the jungle.

What's going on? Why are you talking like this?

"What's going on?" I should ask you that.

What's going on with you, Hugo? Look.

SWITZERLAND AND CALI, LOVE IN CAPTIVITY

I raised you to be a man. Not a fag.

You are the biggest disgrace of my life.

Dad...

I know it's hard, but I was going to tell you,

-tell the family. -Listen to me.

I will never have a faggot son.

So get straightened out and forget about the gay stuff,

or else you can forget about me.

We'll have to forget each other, then.

I won't change just so you won't lose face.

And you know what?

You'll walk back everything you said.

Because, to be a fag,

you have to be a real man.

How did the cops find us?

Leonardo was covering us. How come he was captured first?

What will Emanuel say?

What do you need?

Morning. I want to talk to my pals.

General Sepúlveda.

Leonardo's fate is in your hands.

We have eight of Fleur de Viva.

It's Diva, not Viva.

Mrs. Marlén, Fabiolita.

Nachito!

Hey! How are you?

How have you been?

Fine, thank you.

Tell me, where is the heir?

Sleeping. He's grown so much.

-He's well behaved. -I'm so glad.

I see you're doing great.

Soon you'll need a bigger store.

May God hear you. We'll expand.

Two stores, one each, okay?

Well, with your hard work and Leonardo's support,

it's a sure thing.

Speaking of which, I have a message from him.

We had some issues with the cough syrup in Bogotá.

And you know how he is.

He decided to go there himself.

-Why didn't he call? -Is he all right?

No. Yes, he's okay. But it was all so sudden.

The cough syrup should've been sent to an important doctor.

He didn't get it, so Leo decided to sort it out himself.

He asked me to let you know so that you wouldn't worry.

So sweet. When is he coming back?

In a few days, when it's sorted out.

But don't worry, he'll call you to explain everything.

-All right. -And knowing him, while he is in Bogotá,

he'll buy presents for Fabiancito and all of you.

Thanks for coming.

Door!

I'm glad to see you like this.

This capture is for Mr. Alirio Beltrán,

the witness who disappeared.

For Mr. Enrique Durán, who had to run.

And above all,

for Colonel Tirado,

who was kicked out like a rat.

Door!

MARLÉN'S STORE

For the Villegas brothers, things were clear.

If behind closed doors the situation was under control,

it didn't matter if they were halfway to the Great Beyond.

Hello?

How are you, honey?

Leo, are you in Bogotá? How are you?

It's freezing cold in this wasteland.

Wrap up well. And the cough syrup? Did you find the shipment?

I'm working on it.

When you're done, go to Bolívar Square and La Candelaria. I hear it's beautiful.

And hike to the top of Monserrate and commend our baby to the Lord.

No, I'm very busy. I'll see if I can buy him something.

Leo?

León, please, since you are there,

go see your Auntie Soledad. Carmencita told me she's not well.

No, I'm very busy. I don't have time for visits.

I gotta go, the people I was waiting for are here.

Give my love to Fabiola, the boy, and Norita. I love you.

-Typical. -He hung up?

Leonardo Villegas Ulloa.

Born in San Fernando, Cauca Valley. Age, 25.

Alleged member of the Chacos gang,

wanted for alleged car theft

and captured red-handed for the kidnapping and extortion

of Swiss citizens Noah Favre and Markuz Philibert.

Witnesses: Francisco Garcez,

owner of the taxi where the Swiss citizens were kidnapped from.

TAXI DRIVER NEEDED

Simón Cadena, who claims to have translated information

about the work Philibert and Favre were to carry out in the country.

According to Cadena, the translation was commissioned by Emanuel Villegas,

the defendant's younger brother,

whose whereabouts are unknown to the authorities.

SEVILLA CAUCA VALLEY

Here you go, ma'am, three days' rent, plus a tip.

I might stay longer.

If you need to use the kitchen or the phone, let me know.

Thanks.

What's your name again?

Jairo Peña.

At your service.

A bit higher up on this side.

LOW-COST PHARMACY

No, lower on this side. There!

Okay, to the right. The other right!

Leave it there. Perfect!

Forgive me, Norita, but I don't see what was wrong with "Monterrey Pharmacy."

There was nothing wrong with it.

It wasn't great either. It didn't convey anything.

But if I read "Low-Cost," I think of low prices, savings.

And everyone needs that.

We could have called it Cheapo, then.

Come in, boys.

I like it.

The new name is great.

What are you doing here?

I heard about Low-Cost Pharmacy and it piqued my curiosity.

I wanted to see if penicillin here is really the cheapest in Cali.

It depends on how much you buy.

The 500 mg vial has a 10% discount.

If you buy the 800 mg one, the second box is half price.

I'll take these two,

and I also need oxytocin, antibiotics, painkillers,

anti-inflammatories, gauze, syringes...

What's all that for? Are you opening a hospital?

No, I'm trying to save... It's not a hospital.

It's a clinic in an area so rough not even the cops go in.

They need everything.

And what do you do there?

I'm volunteering, and...

I help raise donations. I help with the patients.

This penicillin, for example, is for a destitute man.

He's going through hell.

In that case, take these two and one more.

No, I can only afford this.

Who said I'm gonna charge you?

Nora, I'm not here for charity.

You always say indifference is a crime. And I'm no criminal.

Let me pay for these two, at least.

I said no.

You were never paid for the extra lessons you gave me.

That didn't cost me anything.

Well, there's also the translations you did for Emanuel.

About that...

You see, after being arrested at the demonstration,

that cop, Parra, interviewed me again.

Why?

I don't know. He asked about Emanuel

and the Swiss guys that were in the taxi with him.

What did you say?

The truth, of course.

That there is nothing wrong with hustling for a living.

Well, it's true.

Emanuel just drove them around. Nothing wrong with that.

Take your money, here.

That's right.

Now we're screwed, Nacho.

-Calm down. -Don't tell me to calm down.

Are you stupid?

If they caught Leonardo red-handed, it means they have something on him.

And it involves you and me as well.

Listen, you need to do something. Pull every string.

With Leonardo in jail and me hiding in this hole,

they'll start worrying at home.

When they see his mug in the paper...

I know things are fucked. But I'm doing my best to fix them, okay?

How is Leonardo? What did your contacts say?

He's fine. He'll be released soon.

You can count on it.

You are to leave Cali at once.

One of the kidnappers has been captured.

But the rest of the gang is out there, waiting to take revenge.

It's a pity.

Cali seemed like a good place to live.

It was.

Unfortunately, lack of security is changing everything.

So?

What about the work we came to do?

It's over. Only you could manage it.

That's not possible. When do we leave?

Tonight.

I need a permit to exit the embassy.

You'll go straight to the plane that'll take you to Bogotá.

It's very important.

What's more important than your safety?

We can do 90 plus the hairdryer, and it's a deal.

Hello, dancer.

Pepe, take over.

What are you doing here?

I thought you couldn't come out.

I couldn't.

I told them I wouldn't fly out if I couldn't do one important thing.

Seeing you.

I liked the surprise.

But you shouldn't have.

Those people will screw your life up if you keep provoking them.

I'll be all right. I have armed men watching my back.

But I'm worried about you.

-Me? -Oui.

You are as exposed as Markuz and I.

There's a big difference between a Swiss citizen and a nobody.

If they want to mess with me, they can.

What is it?

I've been struggling with life lately.

But there is nothing you can do.

Come with me.

We can start a new life in Switzerland, away from all of this.

You know what?

I like that idea.

But I can't leave at the drop of a hat.

And I want to prove I'm no coward.

What? Prove to who?

People who don't believe in me.

I have a few pending jobs.

When I finish them,

I'll come to Switzerland and we'll live a good life.

How did you get this?

I have a guardian angel.

God bless that angel.

With this, we'll relieve that poor man's pain.

How is he?

Poorly. It's hard to keep him stable with only acetaminophen.

Any news on that thing we were promised?

I called the number you gave me.

I was told city hall still hasn't approved

the equipment or the drugs we asked for.

Same old story. Before the election, it's all promises, and then...

-Nothing! -Yes.

But we keep battling on, Simón.

Thanks to you, and your angels,

and the brave patients who keep fighting to get better.

No more of that excruciating pain.

Look at what you got.

Will that help me?

I'm convinced...

that things can change.

Sooner or later, help will come, someday.

Who remembered we exist?

Who sent that gift?

Here.

He arrived at the clinic all beaten up a few weeks ago.

Apparently he nearly got killed in a street brawl.

I think they hit him in the head with a bottle.

That's why he lost his memory.

When he woke up, he didn't know his name or where he lived.

Not even a relative's address or phone number. Nothing.

What an awful situation.

Imagine that, not remembering a thing.

We needed a way to address him, so we called him "Marco."

What if he doesn't get his memory back?

The amnesia and the beating are not even the worst part.

He arrived with heavy bleeding, swollen legs,

yellow eyes and skin.

You think maybe it's his liver?

Of course, terminal cirrhosis.

Imagine dying without knowing your own name.

Very difficult.

This one is really good. It's new.

This one is excellent, like the one professionals use.

-Look. -I want a good one.

I also have floor polishers

or vacuum cleaners for your wife, if you want.

I think not.

I'm broke right now.

Too bad. I understand.

A lost ransom makes a dent, right?

What did you think? That stupid Hugo wouldn't notice?

I run circles around you, dude.

Shut up. I don't know what you mean.

I told you the walkie-talkies were good.

Even for kidnappings, right?

What? Are you gonna kill me in my store?

Easy, man. If I wanted to snitch on you,

I wouldn't have bothered to ask you to come.

What do you want?

To work with you.

Or do you also think because I'm gay all I can do is chase men?

Stay there.

Cool it.

What? Are you scared of a fag?

Don't move, I said. Step back.

Step back.

You know what?

I can be useful to you.

You need a tough guy, with balls, but most of all...

with a brain.

There's no money in heists or kidnappings.

I have an idea that'll make us millions.

Providing dope for the gringos.

ROOM FOR RENT

Really, Federico?

You're still not dressed. You look all scruffy.

What is it, sweetheart?

You're not eating?

We're not throwing it out.

I don't want any, Mom.

What's wrong, Fede?

You're different since you've come back.

You don't like anything.

The house, the food, your clothes...

Tell me, sweetheart.

Would you rather live with your dad than with me?

Would you rather go with him?

Mom, I don't want... to have to choose.

I don't want you to ask who I have more fun with.

I don't want Dad making comparisons, or ladies asking about my life.

Okay, sweetie.

Forgive me, okay?

You are right.

I promise that not your dad, not me, not anyone

will force you to choose.

Your parents will always be here for you.

I promise, sweetie.

Forgive me, okay?

Hey, did you speak with your pal?

You made sure it's rolling?

The guy knows he has to deliver in exchange for the money.

Besides, it looks like the cause has a new supporter.

What do you mean?

I went to see Hugo de la Cruz.

He knows we fucked them over.

Wait, speak clearly.

The guy turned out to be a tough one.

Now he wants to work for us.

Are you stupid? That fag is fooling you.

Cool it.

I was going to kill him, but he made a good point.

He wants to prove to us that he's not a snitch,

that he wants to work with us.

Are you looking for a driver, boss?

Alberto Campos.

I'm an experienced bus driver.

The last one was the Route 1 bus, but recently there were layoffs.

So I'm out of a job.

But I know Cali like the back of my hand.

I'm a pro. You can talk to my bosses for references.

What I need is an honest worker that doesn't cause trouble.

Not a wise guy that tries to fool me, get it?

Sure, I understand, sir.

I don't like those people either.

Try me out right now.

Let's drive around in the taxi.

You'll see I'm a good driver and good with customers, okay?

Don't push the engine.

Watch the suspension.

If you break it, you'll have to pay for it.

Relax, sir, these cars are like women.

They need love.

Uh-huh.

Wait. You're going too fast.

Pull over!

Stop the car!

Stop!

Be quiet, we're going to a party.

The subject is the person, object or animal being described.

You can also recognize the subject

because it's the element that agrees with the verb in number and person.

Often, the subject...

Federico!

Federico, wake up!

Hello?

All right, thank you.

She's not there.

I don't know where else to call.

MARLÉN'S STORE

I have a treat for you.

-Show me. -For the baby on the way.

In case he comes early, like Fabiola's.

-It's so pretty. -Do you like it?

Oh, it's beautiful.

Mrs. Marlén, are you sure it's a boy?

Girl, don't overthink it. It's a boy, period.

You think?

Emanuel will love it. Thank you.

Do you know when he'll be back?

I haven't spoken to him. He hasn't said anything.

Hopefully he'll be back at the same time as Leonardo.

We'll make them a nice stew.

They must be dog-tired with all that work.

Yes, poor things.

Do you like tuna bread?

-It's delicious. -Have some.

With your permission.

Mrs. Marina, I just heard. What happened to my boy?

He fainted, Mayerly.

We took him to the infirmary for a routine checkup.

We're still waiting on the blood work, but the nurse says

the boy is underdeveloped for his age.

I bet it's all that junk food Mariano fed him.

And about him being small. That's normal.

He takes after me.

That's what you think, Mayerly.

But his dad is a doctor and he agrees with our nurse

that the boy needs to eat better.

Where is he? I need to see him.

You see, when he fainted, I tried to locate you, to no avail.

So I had to call Dr. Mariano.

He came straightaway and took him.

How are you feeling, buddy?

-Much better, Dad, thanks. -Yes?

It's nice.

Here you go, a burger, fries,

a milkshake, everything, buddy. To make you strong.

-And I have great news. -Yes?

I called the hospital and I asked to change my shift

so that I can stay with you tonight, watching TV and looking after you.

That's cool, Dad.

And after watching TV all night, could you take me home?

I don't want to upset Mom.

Look, son, your mom won't be upset.

You need to worry about you, not your mom.

Let's do something.

We'll decide what to do when you get better, okay?

Dad, do you know why I fainted?

You do a lot of exercise and play soccer at school,

you went shopping with your mom, so you got dehydrated and fainted, okay?

So I need you to drink this electrolyte solution

and rest all night like a good boy.

-It tastes horrible. -I know.

Got it!

We'll mix it with the milkshake.

What do you think?

Here, one, two, three!

Yes!

Thank you, Mrs. Mery!

Hello?

You took your sweet time, Mariano. I was going nuts.

I was busy with the kid.

What do you think you are doing?

You took him without my permission.

You practically kidnapped him.

Hold your horses, Mayerly. It's not my fault you are unreachable.

And I warn you,

he's staying here for a while so that he can take his vitamins

and get the treatment he needs to get better.

What's your...? Bring back my boy!

Listen, Mayerly.

Don't you get that you can't fix malnutrition with aborrajados and champús?

Excuse me, Doctor.

I should've fed him pizza and all that junk you give him.

Don't talk to me...

Don't talk to me like that.

This is not my fault.

You know the kid came to me undernourished.

Put him on the phone.

He's eating.

Listen to me, Mariano.

If you don't bring back my boy, I'll sue you.

Do it, Mayerly. You'll be doing me a favor.

Listen up.

With the doctor's certificate about his malnutrition,

as well as the report

from the social worker, and the principal's testimony,

with all these things, believe me,

any judge would award me sole custody. So sue me, please.

They'll say the guy put up a fight and the muggers killed him.

NATIONAL ID GARCEZ, FRANCISCO

You know what?

With this, you go on to the next level.

You'll be on probation, like in any company.

So, we'll see.

We'll have to work together.

If you're okay with the next step, the job is yours.

Just say the word.

What's next?

You have to give a client the VIP treatment.

I requested the flight's schedule.

I set up roadblocks on the Pan-American and other roads out of Cali

to clamp down on Emanuel Villegas.

I also want, with your permission,

to go to his house and talk to his wife, Dayana Tirado.

Do whatever you need to do.

But first, go to this address.

What's this, General?

The other guy who was kidnapped wants to make a statement.

Why didn't he talk before?

He was scared.

He still is.

I told him I'd send my best man

to talk in the strictest confidence.

Reassure him.

Get information to put the last nail in Leonardo Villegas's coffin

and find his brother.

You can count on it, sir.

BASED ON THE BOOK EL CARTEL DE LOS SAPOS

BY ANDRÉS LÓPEZ

Subtitle translation by: Nicole Castagneri