Gilberto RodrÃguez Orejuela, born on January 30, 1939, hails from Mariquita, Tolima. Growing up in a humble household, his father pursued his passion for painting while his mother dedicated her time to managing their home. Seeking enhanced employment prospects, the family relocated to Santiago de Cali when Gilberto was just a child. Unfortunately, during his baccalaureate studies, Gilberto’s father decided to leave, forcing the young man to abandon his education and assume responsibility for the household. At the age of thirteen, he commenced his professional journey as a delivery person for a local pharmacy, transporting medications on his trusty bicycle.
Gilberto developed a liking for the rebellious lifestyle alongside his brother Miguel, as they grew weary of the constraints of a financially limited existence. In light of this, they embarked on engaging in minor unlawful activities within the city of Cali. Subsequently, the Rodriguez siblings established a notorious gang referred to as Los Chemas during the 1970s, and it wasn’t long before José Santacruz joined their ranks. Together, this dangerous band transitioned from targeting cargo trucks to carrying out kidnappings and extortion. They faced allegations of abducting two foreigners, which then triggered a series of countless criminal offenses.
During the 1980s, the Los Chemas were forgotten, and in their place, the Cali Cartel emerged as a prominent force. This illegal organization solidified its power in the Valle del Cauca region, establishing control over various enterprises. One such venture was Drogas La Rebaja, a chain of pharmacies spanning the entire country. In addition, the Cali Cartel owned a network of radio stations known as the Colombian Radial Group, a pharmaceutical laboratory, and even had banks in Panama and Colombia. Over the course of a decade, this cartel gained notoriety for its involvement in cocaine trafficking to the United States. It imported coca paste from Peru and Bolivia and was responsible for a staggering 80% of the drugs that entered American territory.
By 1977, he had made a significant mark on the social scene in Valle del Cauca. His ability to forge strong relationships with members of the esteemed upper echelons was truly remarkable. He managed to create harmonious ties with politicians and high-ranking military officers, solidifying his position within the region. In addition to his social prowess, he also made substantial financial contributions to sports leaders in Cali. Although his bid to become a majority partner in Deportivo Cali was rejected by the team’s president, Alex Gorayeb, he had better luck with América de Cali. He seized the opportunity and made numerous economic investments that played a crucial role in securing multiple championship titles for the team.
Back in 1984, there was quite a buzz among the authorities about Gilberto RodrÃguez Orejuela and Jorge Luis Ochoa. Word had it that these two were joining forces to set up a cocaine distribution network spanning Europe. Naturally, the authorities proceeded with caution. Their plan to apprehend Gilberto took shape in February 1986 when he was nabbed in Spain. Upon his capture, a substantial amount of cash and numerous assets registered under his name were seized. Now, with both the American and Colombian justice systems involved, the Spanish government found themselves in the middle of a tug-of-war. The U.S. requested the extradition of Rodriguez and Ochoa, but the Colombian authorities were equally adamant about having the detainees sent back to their home country.
In the middle of 1986, Gilberto RodrÃguez Orejuela and Ochoa were sent back to Colombia to face charges of drug trafficking. While RodrÃguez found himself under the jurisdiction of a judge in Cali, Ochoa was placed under the watchful eye of a judge in Cartagena. Gilberto managed to cleverly maneuver his way out of trouble by using his background as a pharmacist to argue that he was knowledgeable about cocaine due to his profession. He also portrayed himself as a businessman in Valle del Cauca. This situation was not without its significant contributors, as Gilberto strategically aligned himself with influential individuals in the area. With their base of operations established in Cali, they were able to facilitate the trade and transport of cocaine.
In terms of national affairs, he maintained a friendly rapport with Pablo Escobar, albeit with certain restrictions. The deterioration of their relationship can be attributed to Gilberto and Helmer Herrera’s refusal to endorse Escobar’s proposal concerning the extradition of Colombian drug dealers. In response to Escobar’s threat, Gilberto RodrÃguez and his associates deemed it necessary to take military action. Herrera successfully convinces Rodriguez to plot against Escobar, and Rodriguez wholeheartedly embraces this cause. Their first attempt took place on January 11, 1988, as they planted a car bomb in front of the Monaco Building, which served as Escobar’s residence at the time. This event marked the beginning of the conflict against the Medellin Cartel.
In 1993, following the demise of Escobar, President Ernesto Samper’s administration faced allegations of receiving financial contributions from the Cali Cartel, leading to a scandal known as the 8,000 processes. In response, the government directed its efforts towards locating Gilberto RodrÃguez Orejuela and dismantling the notorious Cali Cartel. Determined to bring Gilberto to justice, the authorities embarked on an intensive and methodical pursuit, exploring possible leads through his family and potential romantic partners. Unfortunately, these avenues proved fruitless. However, a breakthrough came when they shifted their focus to Alberto Madrid, Gilberto’s trusted accountant.
Right now, there’s an explosion happening – not a literal one, but a figurative explosion. It’s called Process 8000, and it’s causing quite a stir. In fact, it’s one of the most talked-about political corruption scandals in the entire country. Both the Attorney General’s Office and the United States Government have denounced it. And it’s not just regular folks who are involved – even President Ernesto Samper himself has been dragged into this mess. Allegations were made that he received a hefty sum of money for his presidential campaign. But here’s the twist – a controversial ruling declared the president innocent and absolved him of any responsibility. Not one to back down, President Samper decides to strengthen the Search Block. He brings in members of the Police and elite commandos to help take down the drug cartels. This move is meant to be a game-changer in the fight against crime, as the previous efforts have been a bit timid.
Afterward, the Search Block and the Joint Special Command CEC discovered the accountant’s and Rodriguez’s location and promptly informed the authorities. They converged on a seemingly ordinary residence situated on Ninth Street. However, upon bursting into the house, the CEC officers were greeted by a sight of opulence: the house was adorned with extravagant possessions. Inside the building, they encountered Alberto Madrid, two female staff members, and a hefty-looking man. Thoroughly combing through the premises, the investigators stumbled upon a substantial sum of dollars and two million pesos in cash. They also stumbled upon a communication radio and a collection of crucial documents essential to their arrest.
In May 2014, Humberto, Jaime, and MarÃa Alexandra RodrÃguez Mondragón, who are Gilberto’s children, along with MarÃa Fernanda and Juan Miguel RodrÃguez Arbeláez, who are Miguel’s children, found themselves embroiled in a trial. Gilberto RodrÃguez, through a video conference from prison, made it clear that his children and nephews had no involvement in the drug trafficking activities he and his brother were charged with. However, the defendants are now facing money laundering charges due to their association with Drogas La Rebaja and Laboratorios Klessfor, where they are partners.