Gone South: S4|E2 - "Batman and Darryl | Part 1"

Introduction

In the second episode of Season 4, titled "Batman and Darryl | Part 1," host Jed Lipinski delves deep into one of the most intriguing cases handled by DEA agent Steve Peterson. This episode unpacks the complex investigation into Darryl Smith, a seemingly unassuming medical school graduate who led a double life as a high-volume methamphetamine manufacturer. Through firsthand accounts, detailed narratives, and insightful commentary, Jed presents a gripping story that intertwines crime, the Southern backdrop, and human nature.

Meet Steve Peterson: The Legendary DEA Agent

The episode introduces listeners to Steve Peterson, a seasoned DEA agent with a storied career. Peterson, affectionately nicknamed "Batman" for his unconventional undercover methods—once donning a full Batman costume during raids—shares his early days with the DEA in Atlanta.

“I came on with DEA back in the early 80s. I'm a Bostonian by birth, but in DEA's infinite wisdom, they sent me to Atlanta in October of 1983. So I arrive in Atlanta. Huge culture shock for me. As you can imagine, I didn't understand a lot of people. They didn't understand me.” (01:09)

Assignment to DEA Special Enforcement Operation 383

Peterson recounts his assignment to DEA Special Enforcement Operation 383 (SEO 383), a covert storefront designed to attract and monitor criminal activity related to illegal drug manufacturing.

“We sold glassware and chemicals intentionally to criminals for the purpose of manufacturing illegal drugs... If you treat normal people badly, then only bad people will come to you.” (03:44)

Despite his preference for street operations, Peterson adapts to his role behind the counter, working alongside his more experienced partner, Terry Mathewson. Their mission is clear: identify and apprehend individuals involved in large-scale meth production.

The Enigmatic Darryl Smith

The pivotal moment in the episode centers around Darryl Smith, a young, affluent medical school graduate who becomes the focal point of SEO 383’s investigation. An unusually large order of ethers—1555-gallon drums—piques the DEA's interest, signaling potential large-scale meth production.

“That's a lot of freaking ether. You've gotta be making huge quantities to buy ether in that quantity, you know what I mean?” (07:05)

Smith’s background is meticulously examined. While he boasts a medical degree from Emory School of Medicine, his lavish lifestyle—marked by luxury cars, motorcycles, boats, and a seemingly successful nail salon—raises suspicions.

“He had Harley Davidson motorcycles, he had boats. I mean, he had all kinds of toys. All kinds of toys.” (09:24)

Surveillance and the Discovery of the Meth Lab

Detailed surveillance leads Peterson and his team to Smith’s residence in Roswell, an affluent suburb of Atlanta. Contrary to typical meth manufacturers who operate in seclusion, Smith’s well-maintained home with pristine lawns is uncharacteristic, deepening the mystery.

“Normally your typical manufacturer is like this broken down, skinny, old, no tooth idiot who doesn't really understand chemistry... But when we learned about his background... He's making meth.” (09:58)

Investigations into Smith’s finances reveal inconsistencies between his reported income from gambling and his extravagant possessions. This financial discrepancy further implicates him in illicit activities.

“This doesn’t justify depositing $50,000 in cash from the nail salon. That doesn’t make sense.” (12:24)

Peterson’s persistence pays off when he successfully plants a tracking device on Smith’s van. This leads to the crucial discovery of a concealed meth lab in Smith’s home, ingeniously hidden and operated to avoid detection.

“This was in the kitchen, I found the beeper that I stuck on the van. He had broken the antenna off it, but he had saved the actual beeper itself.” (23:29)

The Arrest and Aftermath

With irrefutable evidence, including methamphetamine traces from the lab, Smith is indicted and arrested. However, the story takes a dramatic turn when Smith escapes from prison, leading to further complications and augmenting the case's notoriety.

“He was an inch or two shorter than me. He was a little bit smaller than me. He looked like a medical student. He looked like somebody you see, you know, in medical school. He just looked like a little nerdy guy.” (26:25)

Connecting to Modern Narratives

In a fascinating twist, Peterson draws parallels between Smith’s case and the popular television series Breaking Bad. He likens Smith’s transformation from a mild-mannered individual to a dangerous criminal to the show's protagonist, Walter White.

“This is Daryl Smith modernized to meet today's trafficking trends... But this the same method of manufacturing. Holy crap. His transformation from a meek little bookwormy guy to this violent criminal. This is Daryl. This is Daryl all over.” (33:23)

Cliffhanger and Future Prospects

As the episode concludes, Peterson reflects on the profound impact of the case on his career and hints at unresolved elements, setting the stage for the continuation in Part 2. Just as listeners are left contemplating Smith’s motivations and future actions, a mysterious voicemail from Darryl Smith himself teases further revelations.

“Good afternoon, Jed. This is Darrell Smith returning your call.” (34:44)

Conclusion

"Gone South: Batman and Darryl | Part 1" offers a compelling narrative that blends real-life law enforcement tactics with the intricate psychology of a complex criminal. Through Steve Peterson's detailed recounting, Jed Lipinski paints a vivid picture of the challenges and triumphs in uncovering and dismantling a high-profile meth operation. The episode not only highlights the procedural aspects of DEA work but also delves into the human elements that drive individuals like Darryl Smith down the path of crime.

Notable Quotes

• Steve Peterson on his assignment: “I came on with DEA back in the early 80s... I didn't understand a lot of people. They didn't understand me.” (01:09)
• On targeting criminals: “If you treat normal people badly, then only bad people will come to you.” (03:44)
• Describing Smith’s lifestyle: “He had Harley Davidson motorcycles, he had boats. I mean, he had all kinds of toys.” (09:24)
• On the meth lab discovery: “It was actually quite ingenious when you think about it.” (20:06)
• Reflecting on Breaking Bad: “This is Daryl Smith modernized to meet today's trafficking trends... This is Daryl. This is Daryl all over.” (33:23)

Stay Tuned

As "Batman and Darryl" Part 1 wraps up, listeners are left eagerly anticipating the continuation of Darryl Smith’s saga in the next episode. With unresolved tensions and the promise of Smith’s direct involvement, the stage is set for further exploration of his life and the aftermath of his arrest.

Note: For further episodes and updates, subscribe to "Gone South" on the Odyssey app or your preferred podcast platform.