Lecture Notes on Pablo Escobar

Introduction

• Full Name: Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria
• Known as: "The King of Cocaine"
• Birth: December 1, 1949, in Rionegro, Colombia
• Death: December 2, 1993, in Medellín, Colombia
• Founder and leader of the Medellín Cartel
• Notoriously wealthy with an estimated net worth of $30 billion at his death

Early Life and Career

• Born in Rionegro, raised in Medellín
• Briefly attended Universidad Autónoma Latinoamericana but did not graduate
• Early criminal activities included selling illegal cigarettes, fake lottery tickets, and car theft

Formation of the Medellín Cartel

• Founded the Medellín Cartel in 1976
• Established cocaine smuggling routes from Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador into the United States
• Collaborated with the Sandinista government in Nicaragua and other groups for illegal activities

Political Involvement

• Elected as an alternate member of the Colombian Chamber of Representatives in 1982
• Used his political influence for community projects, earning local popularity
• Political ambitions were stymied by actions against him by the Colombian and U.S. governments

Criminal Activities and Escalation

• The 1980s: monthly shipments of 70-80 tons of cocaine into the U.S.
• Engaged in violence against rival cartels, police, and politicians
• Orchestrated bombings in retaliation for governmental actions against him

Imprisonment and Escape

• Surrendered to authorities in 1991 and imprisoned in his self-built prison, La Catedral
• Escaped in 1992 when transfer to a standard prison was attempted

Death

• Killed by Colombian National Police on December 2, 1993, a day after his 44th birthday
• His death followed a 16-month manhunt

Legacy

• Controversial figure; seen as a "Robin Hood" by some for his community contributions
• Funeral attended by over 25,000 people
• Hacienda Nápoles, his private estate, converted into a theme park

Impact and Cultural Depictions

• Life and activities have inspired numerous books, films, and TV series such as "Narcos"
• His story highlights the complexity of the war on drugs and its impact on Colombian society

Additional Details

• Known for his "plata o plomo" (silver or lead) approach, which involved bribing or murdering officials
• Maintained an opulent lifestyle with properties across Colombia and Miami
• Left a lasting influence in Medellín, particularly among the city's poor

Family and Relationships

• Married Maria Victoria Henao; had two children
• Escobar's family fled Colombia after his death and faced legal challenges related to their past

Environmental Impact

• Left behind a herd of hippos at his estate that have since multiplied, creating ecological debates

Cultural Impact

• The Medellín Cartel's demise marked a shift in the global cocaine trade
• Escobar continues to be a subject of fascination and study in popular culture

These notes provide a comprehensive overview of Pablo Escobar's life, criminal activities, political involvement, and lasting legacy, serving as a study guide for understanding his impact on Colombia and the world.