Pablo Escobar: How He Built His Cocaine Empire

Описание: Have you ever wondered how Pablo Escobar built his cocaine empire? Discover everything you ever wanted to know about one of the most polarizing figure the world has ever seen.
For more stories --- http://allday.com/

  / historyinpics  

  / historyinfacts  

  / historyphotographed  


When Colombian ex-politician turned drug lord Pablo Escobar was gunned down 21 years ago, he had become the world's wealthiest criminal.

Born to a farmer and a school teacher, Pablo Escobar was the third of nine children.

Some say that Escobar began a life of crime at a young age by robbing gravestones.

After attending college for a short time, Escobar dropped out and turned to theft, bribery, and kidnapping.

Eventually he began selling drugs. By 1975, Pablo Escobar, and his brother Roberto, had built a drug-running business that was making a lot of money.

As police and rival drug operators began to take notice, Escobar turned to more aggressive tactics. His operation was blamed for a series of deadly shootings and bombings.

As authorities pushed back, Escobar’s empire became even more violent, including attacks that killed innocent bystanders.

Infamous Escobar hitmen, like Jairo Leon Posada, carried out mass bombings in public areas.

Escobar’s cartel assassinated a presidential candidate in 1989. The manhunt for Escobar escalated.

Eventually Escobar surrendered in a deal with police. He was incarcerated in a luxurious prison.

Escobar and his cartel continued operations while he was incarcerated.

When authorities realized he was still in business, they attempted to move him to a new prison. Escobar fled.

Escobar spent most of 1992 and 1993 on the run.

On December 2, 1993, police located Escobar and his bodyguard in a Medellín barrio. The two fled and a firefight ensued. Both men were killed.

The day after his death, Escobar's body laid in state in Medellín, his place of birth. Over 20,000 people from the local community attended.

It has been two decades since his death, and Escobar’s drug empire is still considered one of the most vicious in modern history.

But Escobar’s rise from the barrios to opulence has meant that many locals still celebrate his life.

Written By:
Andrew Husband

Edited By:
Charlie Benavides

Images Provided By:
Getty Images

Music:
Mast - Youtube Music Library