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Pablo Escobar, born in 1949 in Rionegro, Colombia, became the world’s most notorious drug lord. His early life gave no hint of his future empire. He grew up in a middle-class family, but his ambition drove him toward crime at a young age. He started with small-scale criminal activities, stealing tombstones and selling fake diplomas.
By his early twenties, Escobar entered the cocaine trade. He timed his arrival perfectly, as demand for cocaine in the United States was skyrocketing. His business sense and ruthless determination helped him build the Medellín Cartel into a global criminal enterprise.
Escobar’s power grew beyond the drug trade. He developed a unique public image, presenting himself as a Colombian Robin Hood. He built housing for the poor, constructed football fields, and handed out cash in impoverished neighbourhoods. This generosity earned him loyal supporters among Medellín’s poor.
At its peak, the Medellín Cartel controlled 80% of the global cocaine market. Escobar’s operation flew hundreds of planes loaded with cocaine into the United States daily. His empire earned an estimated $420 million per week, making him one of the wealthiest criminals in history.
Escobar’s famous policy of “plata o plomo” (silver or lead) terrorised Colombia. Officials faced a simple choice: accept bribes or face death. He ordered hundreds of assassinations, including police officers, journalists, and politicians. The cartel even bombed a commercial airliner to target a single politician.
His most audacious project was La Catedral, his personal prison. After negotiating his surrender in 1991, Escobar designed and built his own luxury jail. This “prison” featured a football pitch, a bar, a jacuzzi, and a waterfall. He continued running his criminal empire from within its walls.
When authorities tried to transfer him to a regular prison in 1992, Escobar simply walked out of La Catedral. This escape embarrassed the Colombian government and sparked an intense manhunt. It showed his extraordinary influence over the country’s institutions.
The Search Bloc, a special Colombian police unit, finally tracked down Escobar in December 1993. He died in a rooftop shootout in Medellín, ending his reign as the “King of Cocaine”. His death marked the end of an era in the international drug trade.
Escobar’s impact on Colombia lasted long after his death. His violence changed the country’s political landscape. The methods he developed for smuggling drugs influenced criminal organisations worldwide. His story inspired countless books, films, and television series.
The hunt for Escobar transformed law enforcement. Agencies developed new techniques for tracking criminals and disrupting drug networks. These methods still influence how police fight organised crime today.
His legacy remains controversial. Some Colombians still view him as a folk hero who helped the poor. Others remember him as a terrorist who brought chaos to their country. His life demonstrates how criminal power can corrupt entire societies.
Our La Catedral blend honours this complex legacy with beans from Escobar’s homeland. Sourced from Colombia’s finest growing regions, this coffee captures both the brightness and darkness of his story.
The medium roast brings out sweet caramel and grape notes, reflecting the luxury of La Catedral prison. Bright citrus undertones remind us of Colombia’s natural beauty, while the smooth finish represents the enduring influence of Escobar’s empire.
Each cup offers a taste of Colombian history. Like Escobar’s legacy, the flavour profile is complex and memorable, leaving a lasting impression with every sip.