Medellin, Colombia

The Medellin Cartel, one of the major cartels in Colombia supposedly linked to the legendary “XII Santos,” was in large scale operation in the 1970s and 1980s. The cartel was established by Pablo Escobar along with the Ochoa Vazquez brothers Jorge Luis, Juan David and Fabio. Although the central base of the cartel’s operations was located in Medellin, Colombia, they rapidly expanded their enterprise to clientele all over Colombia, Peru, and Central America. As with most drug smuggling businesses, the majority of their product was manufactured for US patrons. This consumer led to more  bases in Canada and even some in Europe.

Drug smuggling cartels take great pains to keep their undertaking hidden from authorities. The Medellin Cartel was no different. Deep threads of infiltration into governments through bribes, threats, and other displays of violence helped to keep the high ranked officials of the cartel safe. They openly waged “total and absolute war” with the government of Colombia, murdering and assassinating many top political leaders, government affiliates, and any other persons in the way of their success. The cartel used bombing, car bombing, and heavy artillery gunfire to accomplish their violent goals. It is estimated that this cartel was responsible for near 3,500 deaths. The Medellin Cartel is an excellent example of the violence associated with drugs and its movement into other nations by expanding business.

Picture: Pablo Escobar