Dolley provides unprecedented insight into how specific drug cartels and syndicates have operated via South Africa, becoming embroiled in deadly violence in the country and bolstering local criminal networks. Through excavating and unravelling legal action against suspects and crooks from around the world, we get a rare glimpse into the activities – and personalities – of the characters often facelessly lumped together under the topic of “transnational organised crime”.

Clash of the Cartels is undoubtedly Dolley’s finest work. This remarkable book tells the story that must be told. A story that Dolley is so committed to telling that she dedicated her career to it, despite the real and numerous personal risks she faces by doing so. 

Tons of illicit drugs are pumped across the borders annually. This bleeds into other crimes including terrorism, arms dealing, kidnapping and extortion. Add hardened, home-spawned gangs to this toxic mix, and the combination is lethal.