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Crime & Justice • Drug Trafficking

Pablo Escobar

Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord, politician, and founder of the Medellín Cartel.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord, politician, and founder of the Medellín Cartel. He became one of the most powerful cocaine traffickers in the world and was widely known as the "King of Cocaine." His criminal organization was associated with extreme violence, corruption, and terrorism.

Early life

Pablo Emilio Escobar Gaviria was born on December 1, 1949, in Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia. He later became known as a Colombian drug lord and politician.

Medellín Cartel

Escobar founded and led the Medellín Cartel, which became one of the most powerful cocaine trafficking organizations in the world. He was a major figure in the international cocaine trade and was widely called the "King of Cocaine." His criminal organization was associated with extreme violence, corruption, and terrorism.

Death

Escobar died on December 2, 1993, in Medellín, Colombia, after being shot during a confrontation with Colombian authorities. He was one day past his 44th birthday.

Family

Escobar was married and had two children. After his death, his widow and children left Colombia and reportedly lived abroad under changed identities for safety.

Key facts

  • Led the Medellín Cartel from the 1970s to early 1990s.
  • Major figure in international cocaine trade, known as the "King of Cocaine."
  • His criminal organization was associated with extreme violence, corruption, and terrorism.
  • Killed in Medellín on December 2, 1993, one day after his 44th birthday.
  • Estimated wealth of US$30 billion at time of death.

Frequently asked questions

Who is Pablo Escobar?
Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord, politician, and founder of the Medellín Cartel, one of the most powerful cocaine trafficking groups in history.
How did Pablo Escobar die?
He was shot and killed on December 2, 1993, in Medellín during a confrontation with Colombian authorities.
What was Pablo Escobar's net worth?
His net worth was commonly estimated at about US$30 billion at the time of his death.
How old was Pablo Escobar when he died?
He was 44 years old.
Where was Pablo Escobar born?
He was born in Rionegro, Antioquia, Colombia.
What happened to Pablo Escobar's family?
His widow and children left Colombia after his death and reportedly lived abroad under changed names to avoid retaliation and public attention.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pablo_Escobar
    Supports: Full name, dates, role as founder of the Medellín Cartel, and estimated net worth.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/Pablo-Escobar
    Supports: Birthplace, death date and place, and overview of his role as a Colombian drug lord.
  3. Biography.com — https://www.biography.com/crime/pablo-escobar
    Supports: Net worth estimate, death circumstances, and family details including spouse and children.
  4. EBSCO Research Starters — https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/biography/pablo-escobar
    Supports: Background on his rise in the narcotics trade and death during a confrontation with Colombian authorities.
  5. InSight Crime — https://insightcrime.org/colombia-organized-crime-news/pablo-escobar/
    Supports: Leadership of the Medellín Cartel and death on a rooftop in Medellín during a police operation.