Blanco sailed to Africa on the Conquistador, one of his ships, to participate in the lucrative and well-established Atlantic slave trade.
Blanco expanded his operation by establishing a working relationship with the local ruler, African King Siaka of Gallinas (Vai).
Blanco entered a partnership with one Lino Carballo, with a center of operations in Havana and other branches in Puerto Rico, Trinidad, and the Republic of Texas.
His mercantile standing was so high that his credit bills were enthusiastically accepted in New York City, London and many other well-known financial centers.
Due to military pressure from the United Kingdom, Blanco's business finally collapsed in 1848, and in 1854 he died in Genoa.