Pablo Escobar: The Rise and Fall of the Notorious Drug Lord

 

Pablo Escobar was a notorious Colombian drug lord and narco-terrorist who became one of the richest and most powerful criminals in history. He was born on December 1, 1949, in Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia. Escobar is known for his involvement in the cocaine trade, which earned him a net worth of over $30 billion. However, his legacy is also marked by violence, corruption, and a reign of terror that lasted for almost two decades. This blog will delve into the life and crimes of Pablo Escobar and his impact on Colombia and the world.

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings :-

Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was the third of seven children born to Abel de Jesús Dari Escobar, a farmer, and Hermilda Gaviria, a teacher. As a child, Escobar was described as intelligent but mischievous. He dropped out of school in the eighth grade and began engaging in petty crime, such as stealing tombstones and cars. He later moved on to more serious crimes, including drug trafficking and extortion.

In the early 1970s, Escobar began smuggling cocaine from Peru and Bolivia into Colombia. He quickly rose through the ranks of the Medellín Cartel, a criminal organization that controlled the majority of the global cocaine trade. By the late 1970s, Escobar had become one of the wealthiest and most powerful drug lords in the world.

Crimes and Atrocities Committed :-

Escobar was responsible for numerous crimes and atrocities during his reign as the leader of the Medellín Cartel. He ordered the murders of thousands of people, including police officers, judges, journalists, and rival drug traffickers. He was also responsible for the bombing of Avianca Flight 203, which killed all 107 passengers and crew members on board.

Escobar's violence was not limited to those involved in the drug trade. He was known for his philanthropy and charity work in poor communities, which earned him the loyalty of many Colombians. However, he also used his wealth and power to control and intimidate the Colombian government and society as a whole. He financed political campaigns and built schools, hospitals, and housing projects in poor neighborhoods, but he also used violence and corruption to silence his critics and opponents.

One of the most shocking examples of Escobar's cruelty was the death of his own daughter, Manuela. In 1989, Manuela developed a fever and was feeling cold. Escobar burnt two million dollars in cash just to keep her warm. This act was a testament to Escobar's immense wealth and disregard for human life.

Legacy and Impact :-

Pablo Escobar's legacy is a complicated one. On one hand, he was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people and the destruction of countless families and communities. On the other hand, he was seen as a Robin Hood figure by many Colombians who benefited from his philanthropy and charity work.

Escobar's impact on Colombia and the world is still felt today. His reign of terror destabilized the Colombian government and economy, and his drug empire led to a wave of violence and addiction that still plagues many countries. However, his story also inspired numerous movies, TV shows, and books, including the hit Netflix series Narcos.

One of the most fascinating aspects of Escobar's story is the way he made a prison for himself. In 1991, Escobar surrendered to the Colombian government in exchange for leniency. However, he did not go to a traditional prison. Instead, he built his own prison, known as La Catedral, in the mountains outside of Medellín. The prison was a luxurious compound complete with a private soccer field, a bar, and even a waterfall. It was said that Escobar continued to run his drug empire from within the prison walls, and even invited politicians and journalists to visit him there.

However, the Colombian government eventually became aware of the luxury and privileges that Escobar was enjoying within La Catedral. In 1992, they ordered his transfer to a real prison. This sparked a violent standoff between Escobar's men and the Colombian authorities, which ultimately ended with Escobar's escape from prison.

After his escape, Escobar went into hiding and continued to evade law enforcement for several months. He was eventually located by a special police unit in Medellín in December 1993. Escobar died in a shootout with police on December 2, 1993, just one day after his 44th birthday.

Today, Pablo Escobar remains a polarizing figure in Colombian history. Some Colombians see him as a ruthless criminal who caused untold suffering and violence. Others view him as a charismatic leader who stood up for the poor and disadvantaged, and who made Colombia a major player in the global drug trade.

Regardless of how he is remembered, there is no denying that Pablo Escobar left a lasting impact on Colombia and the world. His legacy of violence, corruption, and drug trafficking continues to be felt in many countries to this day. However, his story also serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and greed.