Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria, also commonly referred to as Pablo Escobar, played a central role in the drug-related chaos that plagued Colombia during the 1980s. Not only did he participate in guerrilla warfare, but he also had ties to the army and paramilitary groups. His political influence and scandalous leadership as the head of the notorious Medellin Cartel made him a prominent figure in the international drug trade. In his relentless pursuit of power, Escobar instigated a vicious battle against the government, exacerbating the already rampant violence that was prevalent in the country at the time.
In 1974, the MedellĂn Cartel was established by him, which initially started as a cocaine manufacturing and distribution enterprise but eventually transformed into a prominent drug trafficking organization. Two years later, Escobar was apprehended with a substantial amount of cocaine weighing nineteen kilos, however, his charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence. As the cartel’s activities continued to expand, so did Escobar’s wealth, reaching significant proportions.
Rather than following the typical archetype of a secretive and inconspicuous crime figure, Escobar took a different approach by actively cultivating a positive public image. He did so by investing in the development of impoverished neighborhoods in MedellĂn, particularly through the creation of a community called MedellĂn sin Tugurios or Pablo Escobar neighborhood, which consisted of 780 homes designated for those in need. By undertaking such social initiatives, Escobar gained the support and admiration of the people, ultimately leading to his appointment as deputy mayor of the MedellĂn City Council.
During this particular period of involvement in drug trafficking, his desire for power grew exponentially. In his quest for authority, he started contributing monetary resources to political campaigns, effectively diverting attention from the illicit activities of drug trafficking. Consequently, he gained influence over crucial matters in Colombia, as his voice held weight in important decision-making processes. To this end, Escobar established a political faction known as Civismo en Marcha, which aligned with Galán’s New Liberalism ideology. Through political maneuvering, Escobar successfully secured a seat as a deputy alongside Jairo Ortega in the Congress of the Republic in 1982. Escobar was not the sole individual to infiltrate the upper echelons of power, as Carlos Lehder Rivas, another prominent figure in the drug trade, founded the National Latino Movement.
Escobar’s comparison of his movement to Galán’s was flawed, as he swiftly expelled Galán upon discovering his involvement in criminal activities (as reported by El Espectador). This effectively marked the end of Escobar’s political journey, despite his efforts in supporting various initiatives and working alongside priests ElĂas Lopera Cárdenas and Hernán Cuartas. However, his reputation remained tarnished, ultimately hampering his continued success.
So, back in 1938, he attempted to go into hiding again. He managed to avoid journalists, Colombian authorities, and even international agencies like Interpol and DEA for quite a while. Can you imagine the perplexity and burstiness of his situation? It’s like trying to navigate a maze while being chased by a pack of hungry wolves. But he was determined to elude capture, and despite the obstacles, he succeeded in evading the prying eyes of the world. It’s mind-boggling how someone can stay hidden for so long, isn’t it?
The reason why Luis Carlos Galán became a formidable foe to drug traffickers was due to his role as a symbol representing opposition against them and the corrupt politicians. Consequently, he and his movement faced relentless persecution from Escobar and Gonzalo RodrĂguez Gacha. This scandalous series of events eventually forced politicians and Colombian authorities to confront the alarming issue of drug trade. Several sources delve into the connection between certain reforms and their association with drug trafficking, shedding light on this complex problem.
In 1983, during the governance of Belisario Betancur (1982-1986), the government embarked on a tax reform aimed at introducing legislation that would allow the inclusion of what was commonly referred to as “hot money” into the country’s economy. As a result, the issue of legalizing drugs and the individuals associated with it also came under scrutiny. However, doubts were raised about the effectiveness and desirability of these initiatives, casting doubt on their viability.
The United States played a crucial role in tackling this issue due to its significant demand for the exported drugs. Determined to eradicate the entire drug trade system, the US initiated actions through the DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) to capture notorious figures like Escobar. Consequently, extradition became a requested tool by the US as a means to coerce drug traffickers. However, Escobar and his associates, representing the narco-traffickers, defiantly countered with the famous phrase: “We would rather die than be extradited.”
Pablo Escobar once famously said, “We’d rather rest in peace in a Colombian grave than live confined in an American cell.” This quote reflects his strong aversion towards the idea of imprisonment and his preference for a life lived freely, even if it meant facing the ultimate consequence. Escobar’s words depict a powerful sentiment that resonates with the desire for autonomy and the unwillingness to be restrained. It showcases his determination to live life on his own terms, even if it meant risking everything.
At first, the consideration of extradition was not on the forefront. However, everything changed with the tragic murder of Rodrigo Lara Bonilla. That event marked the start of the drug war, leading to a chain reaction of assassinations targeting influential figures such as leaders, politicians, journalists, and even presidential candidates. The impact on the nation was immense, as these criminals seeking extradition became known as “the extraditables.”
Meanwhile, Escobar rose to prominence as the primary drug dealer in Colombia, catapulting him to one of the wealthiest individuals worldwide. As a result, his illicit activities led to an unprecedented era of violence within the nation. Drug traffickers resorted to the use of car bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations, unleashing chaos aimed at pressuring the government to eliminate extradition policies. Numerous high-profile attacks ensued, ranging from the targeted assault on the DAS headquarters to the untimely demise of Guillermo Cano, director of El Espectador. Additionally, three presidential candidates, namely Galán (1989), Carlos Pizarro, the leader of M-19, and Bernardo Jaramillo Ossa, the leader of Patriotic Union, were ruthlessly murdered as they vied for political power.
In the end, despite surrendering during CĂ©sar Gaviria’s presidency, Pablo Escobar continued his criminal endeavors. He constructed his own prison, a luxurious hideaway that shielded him from extradition and government agencies. Unable to trust the state’s guarantees and faced with potential extradition due to his minimal time behind bars, Escobar left his sanctuary. After evading capture for an extended period, on December 2, 1993, at the age of 44, he met his demise on the rooftop of his residence in the La AmĂ©rica neighborhood of MedellĂn. Fifteen police officers from the Search Block had tracked him down, as he had mistakenly telephoned his family. MarĂa Victoria Henao, his wife, and their two children, Juan Pablo and Manuela, made up his immediate family at the time.
Escobar has been the central figure in countless films, TV shows, and literature due to the indelible mark he left on history with his unrestrained violence, immense fortune, extravagant lifestyle, and involvement in various illicit activities, such as prostitution and pedophilia.