In the Shadow of Papillon: Seven Years of Hell in Venezuelas Prison System

Seven years of Hell in Venezuela’s Prison System.

Following the loss of his business and his home, Frank Kane made a catastrophic decision to smuggle some cocaine out of Venezuela. Almost inevitably, he and his girlfriend, Sam, were caught.

The price they paid was a ten-year sentence in the hell of the overcrowded Venezuelan prison system, notorious for official corruption and abuse, and rife with weapons and gangs. At one point, Frank was held in the remote El Dorado prison, better known as the former home of Henri Charrière, or Papillon. He witnessed countless murders as gang leaders fought for power and had to become as ruthless as his fellow inmates in order to survive.

Eventually, in an attempt to dull the reality of the horrendous conditions, both Sam and Frank succumbed to drugs.
After enduring years of systematic beatings by the guards and attempts on his life by inmates, Frank broke down more than once. He lost over fifty pounds and was riddled with disease. Somehow, however, he found the strength within himself to survive and was eventually released in 2004 after serving seven-and-a-half years of his sentence. During the long walk back from hell, Frank decided to tell his story.

Since his release from prison, Frank Kane now works as a truck driver.

John Tilsley is the author of Be a Good Boy, Johnny and Nevada Blue.