Undercover in the Enchanted City

Lydia Bulas, a former IRS agent, made headlines in the 1980s for her role in Operation Greenback, a secret operation aimed at stopping money laundering by drug cartels. Bulas, a Cuban-American, was instrumental in seizing millions of dollars in cash from drug traffickers, including a notorious businessman named Ramon Milian-Rodriguez.

In a daring move, Bulas chased down a private jet on the runway at Florida’s Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport, leading to the largest cash seizure in US history at that time. The operation, led by Bulas and her team, targeted key players in the Medellín Cartel, including Luis Javier Castano-Ochoa, a financial adviser to Pablo Escobar.

Through undercover missions and stings, Bulas and her colleagues were able to gather evidence that led to the arrest and conviction of several high-profile individuals involved in money laundering for drug trafficking organizations. The success of Operation Greenback paved the way for the passing of money laundering statutes by Congress in 1986.

Despite facing risks and challenges, Bulas remained dedicated to her work, driven by a personal commitment to combat the drug trade and protect her daughter from its harmful effects. Her efforts, along with those of her team, contributed to the downfall of the Medellín Cartel and the disruption of their money-laundering operations.

Now retired, Bulas looks back on her time with Operation Greenback with a sense of accomplishment. She continues to live in Miami, surrounded by family, and remains connected to her former colleague, Debbie Crumley. The legacy of Operation Greenback lives on as a testament to the dedication and bravery of those who fought against the drug trade in the 1980s.