Castaway Cay's 'Checkered' Past

[shmoogrrrl]

I was watching A&E and a special on True Crime Writers (at least I think it was A&E. Might have been The History Channel) and this particular show was on George Jung, who the movie "BLOW" was based after. He was a HUGE Cocaine and pot trafficker.

My question is, I am almost 98% positive that at one point in the show, they were talking about how his partner left him and went to the Bahamas to start his own trafficking business, and used a small island called "Gorda Cay."

Now, I know that they say that Castaway Cay was used to drug trafficking, but does anyone know enough about the history of Castaway Cay to know if I actually did hear that it was those guys?

I was dealing with my Daughter when I heard it so I’m not absolutely positive of what I heard, but it is driving me crazy trying to figure it out!

 

[figment52]

You are correct .... I have heard that same information

 

[TheWog]

I believe that is why the runway is there.

 

[lilo62]

I heard the same story..

 

[TiggerKing]

Here is an excellent article from Outside magazine on Gorda Cay/Castaway Cay and some of its checkered past. Hope you enjoy!

http://outside.away.com/magazine/0199/9901blackbeard.html

 

[GritsGirl]

I read that Blackbeard story a while back and I have thought about that author often. I REALLY WISH he had set up a meeting with the Castaway Cay Island Manager before he arrived there so he could have "seen" more. Of course then his article would have been different. I know Disney is VERY PROTECTIVE of backstage, but that really seems like they might have cooperated with him with prior notification. I would LOVE to know if there is any evidence of his family left anywhere there.

Grits

 

[traycie2201]

Gorda Cay was used for trafficking , but the movie was based on Norman Cay "The 2001 movie "Blow" starring Penelope Cruz, with Johnny Depp as George Jung was supposedly filmed or set on Norman's Cay George met Carlos in prison in 1974. When the DEA finally caught Carlos, George Jung was one of the main witnesses and he walked away from any prosecution or prison sentence in return for his testimony. However, he couldn't stay away from smuggling for which he is currently in prison until 2014 when he will be 72 years old."

 

[inkkognito]

Interestingly enough, one of the drug planes must not have made the runway at some point...before Hurricane Floyd, there was a goodly amount of leftover wreckage in the water of the adult beach (made for good snorkeling). After Floyd, there was much less...goodness only knows if anything is left now that Frances has blown through.
Barb

 

[lookingforward]

I have read about the "interesting" history as well. I wonder what the drug dealers who used the island back in the day must think now that it is a Disney Island. I think it is great that it is being used for so much enjoyment.