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. He dominated the cocaine trade to the United States in the 1980s and early 1990s, accumulating immense wealth, estimated around $30 billion at the time of his death, making him one of history's richest criminals. His activities involved narcoterrorism and violence, impacting Colombia significantly. He was killed in 1993.

Sections (5)

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

May 1976: Arrest for Drug Trafficking in Ecuador

In May 1976, Escobar was arrested by the Colombian Security Service (DAS) upon his return from drug trafficking in Ecuador; 39 kg of cocaine were found in his car's spare tire. He bribed the second judge in the lawsuit and was released along with other prisoners.

1976: Investigation by Lara-Bonilla's subordinates

In 1976, Escobar's arrest was investigated by the subordinates of Rodrigo Lara-Bonilla.

January 1984: Escobar Announces Retirement from Politics

In January 1984, Pablo Escobar announced his retirement from politics after being expelled from the Liberal Party and facing accusations of criminal activity from Minister of Justice, Rodrigo Lara-Bonilla.

1985: Escobar's role in the Palace of Justice siege

In 1985, according to Vallejo, Escobar financed the Palace of Justice siege, which was committed by M-19. She blamed the army for the killings of more than 100 people.

1988: Cali Cartel car bomb at Edificio Mónaco

In 1988, the Edificio Mónaco, originally built for Escobar's wife, was gutted by a car bomb planted by the Cali Cartel.

1991: Escobar's Surrender and Imprisonment

In 1991, Pablo Escobar surrendered to authorities and was sentenced to five years' imprisonment, after striking a deal of no extradition with Colombian President César Gaviria, with the ability of being housed in his own, self-built prison, La Catedral.

1991: Escobar's Surrender to Authorities

In 1991, after negotiations with the Colombian government, Escobar surrendered to authorities in exchange for a reduced sentence and preferential treatment during his captivity. The extradition of Colombian citizens to the United States was prohibited by the newly approved Colombian Constitution of 1991, which was suspected to have been influenced by Escobar and other drug lords.

July 1992: Government attempt to move Escobar

On 22 July 1992, the government attempted to move Escobar from La Catedral to a conventional jail. Escobar's influence allowed him to discover the plan in advance and make a successful escape, spending the remainder of his life evading the police.

1992: Escobar's Escape from La Catedral

In 1992, Pablo Escobar escaped from his self-built prison, La Catedral, when authorities attempted to move him to a more standard holding facility, which led to a nationwide manhunt.

December 1993: Death of Pablo Escobar

On 2 December 1993, Pablo Escobar was located in Medellín by Colombian special forces with the help of U.S. technology. He was killed in a shootout while trying to escape, sparking debate about whether he killed himself or was killed by police.

1993: Escobar's Death in Medellín

In 1993, Pablo Escobar was killed in his hometown by the Colombian National Police, a day after his 44th birthday. This led to the crumbling of the Medellín Cartel.

June 2018: Money laundering accusation against Escobar's widow and son

On June 5, 2018, María Isabel Santos Caballero (formerly María Henao), Escobar's widow, and her son, Sebastián Marroquín Santos, were accused of money laundering by Argentine federal judge Nestor Barral. The judge ordered the seizing of assets for about $1m each.