Pablo Escobar

ABOUT

Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria, born on December 1, 1949, in Rionegro, Colombia, is perhaps the most infamous drug lord in modern history. Often referred to as "The King of Cocaine," Escobar was the founder and leader of the Medellín Cartel, a powerful and highly organized Colombian drug cartel. At the height of his empire, he controlled over 80% of the cocaine smuggled into the United States and made the Forbes list of international billionaires for seven consecutive years.

BEFORE FAME

Escobar grew up in Medellín, Colombia, in a lower-middle-class family. His early involvement in the world of crime included selling contraband cigarettes and fake lottery tickets, as well as participating in motor vehicle theft. His ambition was evident from a young age, claiming that he wanted to be a millionaire by the time he was 22. By the 1970s, he had graduated to the cocaine trade, capitalizing on the burgeoning demand for the drug in the United States.

TRIVIA

• Pablo Escobar was responsible for numerous atrocities, including bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. He led a campaign of terror designed to influence Colombian politics and society by any means necessary.
• He built several luxurious homes and had a private zoo filled with exotic animals, including elephants, giraffes, and hippos.
• Escobar had an affinity for soccer and sponsored numerous local teams and tournaments. He even built soccer fields in impoverished neighborhoods.
• He was known for his philanthropic efforts within his home country, which gained him a Robin Hood-like image among some Colombians. These efforts included building housing for the homeless, sports facilities, and funding educational programs.

FAMILY LIFE

Pablo Escobar married Maria Victoria Henao in March 1976, and they had two children: a son, Juan Pablo (who later changed his name to Sebastián Marroquín), and a daughter, Manuela. Despite his criminal activities, he portrayed himself as a loving husband and father. His family lived in luxurious mansions and enjoyed the spoils of his illicitly gained wealth.

ASSOCIATED WITH

Escobar's life intertwined with many notable figures and organizations. He was famously associated with the Medellín Cartel's key members, including Gonzalo Rodríguez Gacha, Carlos Lehder, and the Ochoa brothers. His fierce rivalry with the Cali Cartel escalated into a deadly conflict. His interactions with political figures were no less dramatic; he infamously offered to pay off Colombia's national debt in exchange for exemption from extradition to the United States. His alliances with corrupt politicians, police, and other officials further embedded his influence in the governmental and societal structures of Colombia.

Escobar's reign came to an end on December 2, 1993, when he was killed in a shootout with Colombian National Police. Despite his death, Pablo Escobar's legacy lives on, influencing pop culture, crime studies, and discussions about drug policy and enforcement. His life story serves as both a cautionary tale and a compelling narrative of the impact one individual can have on the world stage.