Rick Lydges' journey into the world of drug smuggling began in his early twenties when he worked as a truck driver. During his travels, he realized the potential for transporting illegal substances across borders and started experimenting with small-scale drug smuggling. His shrewdness and ability to evade law enforcement caught the attention of powerful drug cartels, and he quickly rose through the ranks, becoming one of the most successful drug smugglers in American history. His empire spanned several countries, and he masterfully exploited weaknesses in border security to transport vast quantities of drugs, amassing an enormous fortune and gaining notoriety as the "King of Smugglers."