Burned two million and paid off Colombia's debt: interesting facts about Pablo Escobar

Pablo Escobar, despite being a rather ill-famed figure, undoubtedly achieved remarkable success through his criminal activities. His influence and power surpassed even the president of the country, making him one of the most powerful people in the world. SSPDaily has revealed 5 facts about Pablo Escobar.

The foundation of the cartel

In 1977, Escobar created a ruthless and highly organized gang in Medellín, Colombia. This criminal group acted as a drug cartel and a terrorist organization, laying the foundations for Escobar's terror.

Staggering profits

In its heyday, Escobar's Medellín cartel dominated the cocaine industry, earning him a staggering $60 million a week. This wealth cemented his status as one of the richest and most powerful men in the world at the time.

Paying off Colombia's debt

Escobar's luxurious lifestyle was not limited to personal entertainment. According to some reports, he attempted to pay off Colombia's staggering $10 billion debt in exchange for protection from extradition to the United States.

Burning money

To keep his family warm during the cold nights on the run, in the early 1990s, he was rumored to have burned about $2 million. This information was provided by his son Juan, who later changed his name to Sebastian Marroquin and moved to Argentina.

Market dominance

The Medellín-based Escobar cartel had a significant impact on the global cocaine market, at one point providing more than 80% of its demand. The cartel operated in many countries, transporting huge quantities of cocaine to different parts of the world every week.