Polvo Maldito

Los Cadetes de Linares, a renowned norteño band, delve into the dark and tragic world of drug trafficking in their song 'Polvo Maldito.' The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the borderlands between Tamaulipas and Texas, regions notorious for their criminal activities. The song opens by acknowledging the numerous ballads written about these areas, highlighting the prevalence of men involved in illegal activities, particularly the trafficking of marijuana and the 'cursed powder,' a metaphor for cocaine or heroin.

The narrative centers on a famous trafficker who meets a tragic end at the hands of his own son. This poignant story is set in Hidalgo County, where the American government unknowingly sends the trafficker's son to apprehend him. The confrontation turns deadly, with the trafficker killing four law enforcement officers before recognizing his son among them. In a heart-wrenching moment, he raises his hands in surrender, only to be shot by his son, who realizes too late the identity of his target.

The song reaches its emotional climax as the dying trafficker forgives his son, urging him to inform the court that he bears no guilt for the crime. The true culprit, he declares, is the 'cursed powder' that has destroyed so many lives. This powerful ballad not only tells a gripping story but also serves as a commentary on the devastating impact of drug trafficking on families and communities. It underscores the tragic consequences of a life of crime, where even the bonds of family can be shattered by the insidious influence of drugs.