Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to Pablo Escobar

Public opinion and media debates around Pablo Escobar—discover key moments of controversy.

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

1971: Kidnapping of Diego Echavarria

In the summer of 1971, Pablo Escobar's gang kidnapped and killed businessman Diego Echavarria, receiving a $50,000 ransom. This event made his gang well known for kidnapping.

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.

1976: Investigation of Escobar's arrest

In 1976, Pablo Escobar's arrest was investigated by Rodrigo Lara-Bonilla's subordinates, marking the beginning of a conflict between them.

November 1985: Attack on the Colombian Judiciary Building

On November 6, 1985, The Los Extraditable Organization, implicitly supported by Escobar, supported the far-left guerrilla movement that attacked the Colombian Judiciary Building. Half of the justices of the Supreme Court were killed.

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

In 1985, Escobar financed the Palace of Justice siege, which was committed by M-19. According to Vallejo, the army was responsible for the killings of over 100 people.

August 1989: Assassination of Luis Carlos Galán

On August 18, 1989, Luis Carlos Galán was assassinated at Pablo Escobar's orders. Subsequently, Escobar planted a bomb on Avianca Flight 203 in an attempt to assassinate Galán's successor, César Gaviria Trujillo, resulting in the deaths of 107 people.

July 2006: Virginia Vallejo Offers Testimony

In July 2006, Virginia Vallejo offered her testimony to Attorney General Mario Iguarán in the trial against former Senator Alberto Santofimio, who was accused of conspiracy in the 1989 assassination of Luis Carlos Galán. Although Vallejo contacted his office in July 2006, the judge decided to close the trial before Vallejo could testify.

July 2006: Vallejo Taken to US by DEA

On 18 July 2006, Virginia Vallejo was taken to the United States on a special flight of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for "safety and security reasons" due to her cooperation in high-profile criminal cases.

2007: Virginia Vallejo publishes her memoir

In 2007, the journalist Virginia Vallejo published her memoir Amando a Pablo, odiando a Escobar (Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar), in which she describes her romantic relationship with Escobar and the links of her lover with several presidents, Caribbean dictators, and high-profile politicians.

Amando a Pablo, odiando a Escobar / Loving Pablo, Hating Escobar (MTI) (Spanish Edition)

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2008: Reopening of the Palace of Justice siege case

In 2008, the Palace of Justice siege case was reopened following Vallejo's statements. Vallejo was asked to testify, and many of the events she had described in her book and testimonial were confirmed by Colombia's Commission of Truth.

August 2011: Santofimio Sentenced

In August 2011, Alberto Santofimio was sentenced to 24 years in prison for his role in the assassination of presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán.

2017: Release of 'Loving Pablo'

In 2017, the movie Loving Pablo was released, inspired by Virginia Vallejo's book.

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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.

February 2019: Demolition of Edificio Mónaco

On 22 February 2019, Medellín authorities demolished the Edificio Mónaco apartment complex where Escobar planned some of his most brazen attacks. A park honoring cartel victims was to be erected in its place.