Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, born on January 8, 1946, is a former Mexican drug lord and one of the key figures in the rise of drug trafficking in Mexico during the late 20th century. He was the founder of the Guadalajara Cartel, which became one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the country. Gallardo played a significant role in the smuggling of marijuana and cocaine into the United States. In 1989, Gallardo was arrested and later sentenced to 37 years in prison for drug trafficking and other crimes. His arrest marked a turning point in the Mexican drug trade, leading to the fragmentation of cartels and the emergence of new criminal organizations. Despite his imprisonment, Gallardo's influence on the drug trade continues to be felt in Mexico today.