US authorities have described Blanco as a charter member of the "cocaine cowboys" who engaged in drug trafficking, contract killings and gangland shootouts in South Florida in the1980s. She was also once known for her love of shopping and beauty salons.

Blanco was reportedly a fan of the film The Godfather, naming one of her sons Michael Corleone, the name of the character played by Al Pacino in the film.

About the broadcaster:

Lee Hannon is Chief Editor at China Daily with 15-years experience in print and broadcast journalism. Born in England, Lee has traveled extensively around the world as a journalist including four years as a senior editor in Los Angeles. He now lives in Beijing and is happy to move to China and join the China Daily team.

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