Queenpins of the Underworld

by Jon Scaccia September 18, 2024

Imagine the typical figurehead of a powerful, global drug cartel. The image that might come to mind is probably a hardened, ruthless man—cold, calculating, and wielding his power through a network of fear and loyalty. Now, replace that image with that of a woman. Not just any woman, but a formidable leader at the top of the criminal food chain, commanding respect, orchestrating operations, and turning the deeply patriarchal world of organized crime on its head. Welcome to the world of Queenpins—a fascinating and often overlooked phenomenon in the male-dominated narrative of crime.

In a world where women are often relegated to supporting roles, the emergence of female drug lords, or “Queenpins,” challenges our understanding of power, gender, and crime. These women don’t just participate; they dominate, manipulate, and thrive in an environment that has traditionally sought to suppress them. They embody a unique blend of resilience, ambition, and cunning, rising to the top of an underworld that is as deadly as it is lucrative.

The Rise of the Queenpins: A Narrative Shift

For years, mainstream media has flirted with the idea of powerful women in crime. Series like Queen of the South, Ozark, and the Netflix drama Griselda—based on the infamous Colombian drug lord Griselda Blanco—have captivated audiences by bringing these complex female characters to the forefront. But the stories these shows tell are not just works of fiction. They reflect a growing recognition of the real-world presence of women who have not only participated in, but also led, some of the most dangerous criminal organizations across the globe.

Historically, the field of criminology has largely ignored the role of women in organized crime, focusing instead on the exploits of their male counterparts. However, recent research has begun to shed light on the critical roles these women play, revealing that female drug lords are not merely an anomaly but a significant and growing force in the criminal world. This research challenges the traditional, male-centric view of organized crime and offers new insights into the dynamics of power and gender within these illicit networks.

Narco-Feminism: Inverting Patriarchy in the Underworld

So, who are these Queenpins, and how do they navigate the treacherous waters of the global drug trade? The research highlights that these women are most prevalent in Latin American cartels, such as the infamous Sinaloa and Los Zetas cartels. Unlike the vulnerable women often depicted at the lower levels of drug markets—manipulated and exploited by men—Queenpins occupy a space where they can invert the patriarchal structures that dominate their environments. They are not just passive participants; they are active leaders, operating in what some researchers describe as a “narco-feminist” role.

This term, “narco-feminism,” might seem contradictory at first glance. After all, how can feminism—often associated with equality and justice—exist within the violent, male-dominated world of drug trafficking? Yet, it is precisely within this contradiction that these women find their power. By supporting the men in their lives while simultaneously carving out their own spaces of authority, these Queenpins resist the machismo-oriented cultures that would otherwise seek to control them. They turn the very tools of their oppression into weapons of empowerment.

The Personal is Political: Motivations Behind the Power

What drives these women to ascend to such perilous heights? The motivations are complex and varied. For some, it is a matter of survival, born from economic necessity in regions where opportunities for legitimate advancement are scarce. In these contexts, crime offers a way out—a means to provide for their families, gain financial independence, and, in some cases, escape abusive situations. However, for others, the allure of power, status, and the material trappings that come with it plays a significant role. These women are not just surviving; they are thriving, using the structures of organized crime to assert their autonomy and control.

The study found that familial and spousal connections often play a critical role in the rise of Queenpins. Many of these women are introduced to the world of organized crime through their relationships with men—husbands, fathers, or brothers—who are already entrenched in these networks. But once inside, they do not remain in the shadows. They take control, sometimes even surpassing their male counterparts in ruthlessness and efficiency.

The Global Footprint: Queenpins Across Borders

While Latin America remains the epicenter of female participation in organized crime, the influence of Queenpins is not limited to this region. The study identified female drug lords in countries as diverse as Italy, Kenya, and Australia, each navigating the unique cultural and social landscapes of their respective regions. In Italy, for instance, women within the Camorra—one of the oldest and most powerful criminal organizations—have stepped into leadership roles following the arrests or deaths of male leaders. These women manage businesses, direct criminal operations, and, in some cases, even engage in violence themselves.

In Southeast Asia, the story is different. Here, the patriarchal structures are so deeply entrenched that female participation at the upper levels of organized crime is rare. Yet, where it does occur, it is often driven by similar motivations—economic necessity, familial ties, and the desire for power and autonomy.

Breaking the Stereotypes: A New Understanding of Crime

The rise of Queenpins forces us to reconsider the traditional narratives of crime and gender. These women are not just anomalies; they are trailblazers who challenge the very foundations of the criminal world. They defy stereotypes, not just of what it means to be a criminal, but of what it means to be a woman in a world that seeks to limit their potential.

Yet, it is important to acknowledge the darker side of this phenomenon. The same structures that empower these women also perpetuate cycles of violence and exploitation. The power they wield often comes at a high cost—not just to themselves, but to the communities and societies in which they operate. Their rise to power, while impressive, is also a stark reminder of the pervasive inequalities and injustices that drive people to crime in the first place.

Sparking Conversation: What Does the Future Hold?

As we continue to explore the role of women in organized crime, several questions arise. What does the future hold for these Queenpins? Will their presence continue to grow, or will the patriarchal structures of the criminal underworld eventually push them back into the shadows? Moreover, what does their rise tell us about the broader issues of gender, power, and inequality in our societies?

These are questions worth pondering, not just for criminologists and policymakers, but for all of us. The stories of these women are more than just tales of crime and corruption; they are a mirror reflecting the complexities of gender and power in our world. They challenge us to rethink our assumptions and to consider the ways in which women, even in the darkest corners of society, can defy the odds and assert their power.

Discussion Questions

1. How does the rise of Queenpins challenge our traditional understanding of gender roles in organized crime?
2. In what ways might the presence of women in leadership roles within criminal organizations impact the broader fight against organized crime?

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