Pablo Escobar: The King of Cocaine

Pablo Escobar is one of the most well-known drug lords in history. He founded and led the Medellín Cartel which was one of the most powerful and violent criminal organizations in the world. He was called the “King of Cocaine” because he was responsible for supplying 80% of the cocaine that was smuggled into the United States during the peak of his career which subsequently earned him billions of dollars.

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings

Escobar was born in Rionegro, Colombia in 1949 and began his criminal career as a teenager stealing cars and smuggling cigarettes. He also worked as a kidnapper for various drug smugglers.

The Rise of the Medellín Cartel

He started his own cocaine operation in the 1970s and used planes and boats to transport the drug from Colombia to the United States and other markets. He established a monopolistic cocaine trade by forming alliances with other drug traffickers and corrupt officials. He also built a lavish estate called Hacienda Nápoles which featured a zoo, a lake, a sculpture park, and a private airstrip.

Acts of Violence and Infamy

Pablo Escobar was known for his numerous acts of violence which include bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. One of the most infamous incidents was the bombing of Avianca Flight 203 in 1989 which was intended to kill a presidential candidate. In the end, all 107 people on board the flight were killed in the explosion.

A Complex Public Image

Escobar’s massive wealth and power made him a popular figure among some sectors of Colombian society. He portrayed himself as a Robin Hood-like benefactor for the poor and marginalized. He built schools, hospitals, churches, and housing projects for his followers.

War Against the Government

He waged a brutal war against the Colombian government and its allies which included the United States and the DEA. He also targeted civilians, journalists, judges, and anyone who opposed or criticized him.

The Manhunt and Death of Pablo Escobar

After a manhunt that lasted for 16 months, Escobar was tracked down by the Colombian National Police. His reign of terror finally came to an end in 1993 when he was killed by Colombian special forces on a rooftop in Medellín.

The Legacy of Escobar’s Fall

His death marked the decline of the Medellín Cartel and gave way to the rise of other drug cartels in Colombia.