Seen the Pablo Escobar mugshot? Here are *most* of his crimes
Pablo Escobar was a notorious Colombian drug lord who rose to power during the 1970s and 1980s. He was born in Rionegro, Colombia on December 1, 1949, and went on to become one of the most feared and powerful drug lords in the world, leading the infamous Medellin Cartel.
Escobar’s mugshot, which was taken in 1977, has become one of the most recognizable images of him, symbolizing his criminal history and the violence that he inflicted upon Colombia and the world. It has been referenced countless times in popular culture, whether appearing on t-shirts and merchandise to being recreated in hit films and shows like Escobar: Paradise Lost (2014) and Narcos (2015-17).
Because Pablo Escobar has become a towering figure in the world of crime– he was the wealthiest criminal in human history– it can be easy to get lost in the iconography and forget some of the heinous acts he committed to achieving this wealth. In an effort to balance things out, we’ve provided a rundown of *most* of the kingpin’s crimes.
The “King of Cocaine”
Escobar’s criminal empire was built on the production and distribution of cocaine, and he quickly became one of the wealthiest people in the world. He used his vast wealth to bribe officials, buy political influence, and establish a network of loyal followers. He was also known for his brutal methods of dealing with those who crossed him, including murders, bombings, and kidnappings.
Despite his brutal reputation, Escobar was able to cultivate a Robin Hood-like image among the poor in Colombia, using his wealth to build homes, schools, and hospitals for the less fortunate.
However, his reign of terror also brought violence and destruction to the country, as rival drug lords, government forces, and vigilante groups waged war against him. Some of the brutal tactics used by Escobar’s Medellin cartel, which included using a chainsaw on those who dared to voice opposition, made their way into the seminal 1983 gangster film Scarface.
The aftermath of Escobar
Escobar’s crimes have had a lasting impact on Colombia and the world. He was responsible for the deaths of thousands of people, including law enforcement officers, judges, and political leaders. His actions also contributed to the spread of drug addiction and organized crime, and the violence that he inflicted upon Colombia helped to destabilize the country for decades.
In 1991, the Colombian government, with the support of the United States, launched a massive manhunt for Escobar, resulting in his death on December 2, 1993. His mugshot, which was taken in 1977, serves as a reminder of his criminal history and the violence that he inflicted upon Colombia and the world.
Escobar’s reputation has been divisive in the decades that have followed. On one hand, the horrific things he did have become more widely known, leading many Colombians to retract their positive feelings about the man. On the other hand, the myth of Escobar is appealing to many, especially as the drug kingpin lifestyle continues to be romanticized in films, video games, and TV shows.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Pablo Escobar was a notorious drug lord whose criminal empire was built on the production and distribution of cocaine. His brutal methods, vast wealth, and Robin Hood-like image made him one of the most feared and powerful people in the world.
Although his crimes have had a lasting impact on Colombia and the world, his mugshot serves as a symbol of his criminal history and the violence that he inflicted upon countless innocent people.
Next time you see the infamous image of Escobar, disheveled and grinning into the camera, we hope you think twice about the damage he inflicted and the glee he got from it. No fictional character could be as chilling.
