In an explosive new book, “Las señoras del narco: Amar en el infierno,” journalist Anabel Hernández delves into the intimate relationships between notorious drug lord Arturo Beltrán Leyva, known as El Barbas and various renowned figures from Mexico’s entertainment industry.
Drawing from statements made by Celeste, a woman who alleges a decade-long romantic association with Beltrán Leyva, the book reveals alleged liaisons with Mexican celebrities like Galilea Montijo, Lilí Brillanti, and Mariana Ríos.
A glimpse inside the drug lord’s affairs
Celeste’s disclosures shed light on the intricate web woven by Beltrán Leyva to engage with these personalities. Celeste, her brother, and a notable socialite were entrusted with the task of enticing these high-profile women. Using lavish gifts, they lured these celebrities into intimate encounters with the drug lord.
In an explicit statement, Celeste shared, “Violeta Vizcarra was my brother’s assistant, not because my brother was important; she was one of the girls who helped him get Arturo’s whims: famous, coveted, unattainable women (…) He had a gigantic ego, which weighed on him as boss of bosses. He wanted to have the best women, the most beautiful, the most famous. In other words, he wanted to appear. That is the truth.”
Who is Violeta Vizcarra?
Hernández’s research reveals that Vizcarra, born on May 20, 1984, in Torreón, Coahuila, was a key figure in Beltrán Leyva’s circle. At 20, she participated in a beauty contest in Durango but did not clinch the title.
By age 23, her association with Celeste had begun, and she rapidly became instrumental to El Barbas due to her extensive contacts within the entertainment world. Vizcarra’s alleged friendships include Alejandro Basteri, the younger sibling of famed singer Luis Miguel, and singer Pablo Montero.
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“She can be seen posing in some magazines as a socialite, either in Mexico City, Durango, or Coahuila, partying at expensive restaurants, fashionable places, or social events. She has a long and close friendship with Alejandro Basteri, brother of singer Luis Miguel, and in several photos of her on the social pages, she appears next to him,” Hernández noted.
While Vizcarra’s public persona was that of a socialite, Celeste paints a picture of a woman leading a double life: “Publicly she was a socialite, and secretly she was an eager indulger of the Beltran Leyva boss’s desires.”
Moreover, Vizcarra was not just an intermediary. Celeste alleges, “She also did her show with Arturo (had sex). She did it very willingly, and yes, they gave her money. They gave her 10,000 dollars each time (…) Violeta was already Arturo Beltrán Leyva’s sexual partner in 2007 and was in charge of hooking up with women from the show business he brought to the drug lord to give him intimate attention at his home.”
It’s also reported that Vizcarra had minor roles with major Mexican television networks, Televisa and TV Azteca.
This revelation, intertwining Mexico’s entertainment elites with the murky underworld, promises to rattle many cages in both worlds. As the story unfolds, the public awaits reactions from those implicated.