Challenges Faced by Pablo Escobar: Obstacles and Turning Points

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Pablo Escobar. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord and the leader of the Medellín Cartel, dominating the cocaine trade to the US during the 1980s and early 1990s. Known as the "King of Cocaine," he amassed immense wealth, becoming one of history's richest criminals. Escobar's operations involved narcoterrorism and significant political influence, making him a notorious and impactful figure in Colombia and international drug trafficking until his death.

Sections (5)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

May 1976: Escobar's arrest for drug trafficking

In May 1976, Pablo Escobar was arrested by the Colombian Security Service (DAS) for drug trafficking in Ecuador, with 39 kg of cocaine found in his car. He bribed the second judge in the lawsuit and was released, and the agent who arrested him was assassinated the following year.

July 1992: Government attempts to move Escobar to a conventional jail

On July 22, 1992, the government attempted to move Pablo Escobar to a more conventional jail. Escobar escaped, spending the remainder of his life evading the police.

1992: Escobar escapes from La Catedral

In July 1992, Pablo Escobar escaped from La Catedral when authorities attempted to move him to a more standard holding facility, leading to a nationwide manhunt.

June 2018: Accusation of money laundering

On 5 June 2018, the Argentine federal judge Nestor Barral accused Maria Henao and her son, Sebastián Marroquín Santos, of money laundering with two Colombian drug traffickers. The judge ordered the seizing of assets for about $1m each.