Ofelia hernandez pablo escobar biography

The book is particularly valuable for its Colombian perspective. The drug trade is placed in context with the general conditions in Colombia. Apart from social and economic factors two aspects are especially intriguing: the web of direct and indirect links connecting drug traffickers, diverse political groups, leftist guerillas and right wing militia, and the contradictory role played by the United States.

Seen in this light, Escobar's campaign of terror is the expression of his egocentric, domineering and megalomanic personality just as it is only another facet of a society that is marked by violence. More details could have been given relating to the internal structure of Escobar's network, especially with regard to the distinction between contractual relations, partnerships and hierarchies.

Overall Evaluation: An informative and exciting book, but one which leaves the reader in the dark about where hard facts end and speculation begins. Further Reading: Lee, Reusselaer W. As a teenager, he engaged in various criminal activities, including selling contraband cigarettes and stealing tombstones for resale. However, his criminal ambitions skyrocketed when he discovered the lucrative potential of cocaine.

The drug lord used his fortune to amass immense political and social influence within Colombia. He ordered the assassination of presidential candidates and was even rumored to be behind the attack on the Supreme Court, carried out by the 19th of April insurrectionist movement in which several Supreme Court Justices were killed. The target, a presidential candidate, was not actually on board.

In addition to these high-profile assassinations, Escobar and his organization were responsible for the deaths of countless magistrates, journalists, policemen and even criminals inside his own organization. Forbes magazine listed him as the seventh-richest man in the world. He could order the murder of anyone, anywhere, any time. Robin Hood? His strategy worked: Escobar was beloved by the common people, who saw him as a local boy who had done well and was giving back to his community.

Escobar was famous for his extramarital affairs, and he tended to prefer underage girls.

Ofelia hernandez pablo escobar biography

They wanted him to capitulate and to stop all criminal activity. Escobar declared an end to a series of previous violence and terrorismand turned himself in. He was held in what became his own luxurious private prisonLa Catedral. Before Escobar gave himself up, the government approved the extradition of Colombian citizens. This was controversial.

People suspected that Escobar or other drug lords influenced members of the government. Escobar continued his criminal activities. He began to influence the media. The government discovered that Escobar was continuing his criminal activities within La Catedral. They wanted to move Escobar to another prison on July 22, Escobar's influence allowed him to discover the plan in advance and escape.

They trained and advised a special Colombian police task force, called the Search Bloc. It was created to locate Escobar. His rivals and former associates financed it. They wanted to find Escobar. Los Pepes carried out a bloody campaign and more than of Escobar's associates were killed. Also, a lot of his cartel's property was destroyed.

Rumors said that members of the Search Bloc and of the Colombian and the United States intelligence agencies cooperated with Los Pepes. Downfall and death [ change change source ] The fight against Escobar ended on December 2, The police used radio triangulation technology to find Escobar. The United States provided this technology to a Colombian electronic surveillance team.

The group was led by Brigadier Hugo Martinez. They tried to escape by running across the roofs of nearby houses to reach a back street, but both were shot and killed by Colombian National Police. It is not known who actually fired the final shot into Escobar's head. It is also unknown whether this shot was made during the gunfight or as part of possible execution.