I know Hollywood isn’t a good place or scene. I believe many shows or movies show us what’s going on. I’ve seen several over the years that have this plot. Always a US government agency, Mexican drug cartel, etc. American Made movie staring Tom Cruise is based on a true story. It’s during the Reagan years. They get this local air pilot to fly down to SA to take photos, then it’s guns & drugs. Of course Hollywood didn’t told their version. I watched a documentary with the guys kids.

https://m.imdb.com/title/tt3532216/