1 day ago
Last Updated:June 03, 2025, 15:59 IST
Authorities said the ringleader, 25-year-old Mario Espino, orchestrated the abduction of Gabriel Leger, a former associate turned rival.
Mario Espino and Joey Lawrence Eugene Young poured hot sauce into Gabriel Leger’s eyes and rectum, authorities said. (Representational Image)
Three drug traffickers in Florida subjected a rival to horrific torture involving hot sauce during an 18-hour ordeal after the fallout of narcotics deal, it was reported. Authorities said the ringleader, 25-year-old Mario Espino, orchestrated the abduction of Gabriel Leger, a former associate turned rival, on October 12 last year with the help of two accomplices- Jacob James Guest (24) and Joey Lawrence Eugene Young (25), The New York Post reported.
Mario Espino demanded that Gabriel Leger procure 10 kilograms of fentanyl from his alleged cartel contacts, threatening him with extreme violence if he failed. Since Gabriel Leger was unable to furnish the demand, “sadistic" torture followed, as per the court filings.
Mario Espino and Joey Lawrence Eugene Young poured hot sauce into Gabriel Leger’s eyes and rectum. When police eventually located the victim, he was found in the back of a car with a pillowcase over his head, wrists tied with zip ties and electrical cords, it was reported.
The accused fled the scene upon seeing the police, abandoning a stash of 22 kilograms of methamphetamine, around 100 grams of fentanyl, a firearm and cash exceeding $10,000.
The trio later pleaded guilty to multiple serious charges, including drug trafficking, kidnapping and firearm possession in connection with drug crimes. Joey Lawrence Eugene Young received the harshest punishment with a 25-year sentence, followed by Mario Espino with 22 and a half years. Jacob James Guest, who was reportedly present during the torture, was sentenced to 20 years.
Court documents revealed that Mario Espino felt betrayed after being cut out of Gabriel Leger’s drug operations while the US Justice Department described the case as an example of how internal rivalries within drug networks can escalate into extreme violence.
When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"
When not reading, this ex-literature student can be found searching for an answer to the question, "What is the purpose of journalism in society?"
Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)
First Published:News world Drug Feud Turns Brutal: US Traffickers Use Hot Sauce To Burn Rival’s Eyes Over Deal Collapse
