Pablo Escobar
Historical FigureColombian Drug Lord / Narcoterrorist / Medellín Cartel Founder
Spanish: [ˈpaβlo eskoˈβaɾ] | Born: December 1, 1949 - Died: December 2, 1993
Criminal
Businessman
Historical Insight: Pablo Escobar was once listed as the 7th richest man in the world by Forbes, with an estimated net worth of $30 billion at his peak.
Early Life
1Childhood in Medellín
Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was born into a poor family in Rionegro, Colombia.
He grew up in the city of Medellín, where he began his criminal career as a teenager.
2Early Criminal Activities
Escobar started with petty crimes before moving into drug trafficking in the 1970s.
His first major operation involved smuggling cocaine into the United States.
The Medellín Cartel
1Cartel Establishment
In the late 1970s, Escobar founded the Medellín Cartel, which controlled 80% of the global cocaine market.
At its peak, the cartel was smuggling 15 tons of cocaine daily into the U.S.
2Business Operations
Escobar pioneered new smuggling techniques including submarine transport and private aircraft.
He established an elaborate network of laboratories and distribution channels.
3Violent Tactics
The cartel was responsible for thousands of murders, including judges, journalists, and politicians.
Escobar famously offered "plata o plomo" (silver or lead) - take a bribe or face assassination.
Historical Context: The Medellín Cartel's operations fundamentally changed global drug trafficking patterns and significantly impacted U.S. drug policy.
Political Ambitions
1Congressional Position
In 1982, Escobar was elected as an alternate member of Colombia's Congress.
His political career ended when Justice Minister Rodrigo Lara exposed his criminal background.
2Philanthropy
Escobar built housing projects and football fields to gain popularity among Colombia's poor.
This earned him the nickname "Robin Hood of Medellín" among some communities.
Downfall and Death
1War with the Government
After declaring war on the Colombian state, Escobar was hunted by special police units and rival cartels.
The U.S. DEA played a significant role in the manhunt.
2Final Days
On December 2, 1993, Escobar was shot dead on a rooftop in Medellín while attempting to escape.
His death marked the end of the Medellín Cartel's dominance.
Legacy Note: Escobar's life has been dramatized in numerous films and TV shows, most notably in the Netflix series "Narcos."