Gary Webb Quotes

A collection of quotes by Gary Webb.

Gary Webb was an American investigative journalist known for his exposé on the connection between the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), the Contras, and the crack cocaine epidemic in the United States. Born on August 31, 1955, in Corona, California, Webb began his journalism career at a young age. He worked for various newspapers, including the Kentucky Post and the Cleveland Plain Dealer, before joining the San Jose Mercury News in 1988.

Webb's groundbreaking investigation, published in 1996, became known as the "Dark Alliance" series. It revealed that the CIA had knowingly collaborated with Nicaraguan Contras linked to drug cartels, who were smuggling cocaine into the United States. The profits from these illicit activities were then used to fund the Contras' war against the Sandinista government in Nicaragua.

The series caused a national uproar, leading to further investigations and government inquiries. However, Webb faced immense criticism from mainstream media outlets, which questioned the veracity of his claims and discredited his work. The intense scrutiny took a toll on Webb, both personally and professionally.

Tragically, unable to secure a stable job in journalism, Webb died on December 10, 2004, from an apparent suicide. Despite the initial backlash, his work has since been reevaluated and acknowledged for shedding light on the CIA's involvement in the drug trade. Webb's legacy serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by investigative journalists exposing powerful institutions.