Finding_Pablo_Escabar

• As Pablo gains wealth and power so does guerrilla movements like FARC. Pablo soon became the richest man in Columbia and as a result he became a target of FARC and other guerrilla movements. Pablo joined with other drug traffickers and hired paramilitary groups led by Fidel Castro and Carlos Castano. (9:32) • Pablo used some of his money to benefit the poor people of Columbia by setting up welfare programs, building housing and soccer fields, etc. The aim of his political moves was to avoid extradition to the United States. (11:15) • Pablo gained a seat in the Columbian senate as a alternate in 1982. During his first meeting he was denounced by the minister of justice as a notorious drug trafficker. Pablo’s criminal past surfaces in the media and as a result a lot of his assists are seized. This marked the beginning of Pablo’s fall from grace. (12:00) • Three months after this accusation, Lara the minister of justice is assonated by one of Pablo’s gunman. (13:00) • Just say no program. (14:00) • A new form of cocaine emerges in the United States called crack cocaine. This appealed to the lower class since it was so cheap. This soon led to higher crime because people would steal or murder to get the drug. (14:50) • April 1982, as a result to the growing crime rates in the US Regan signs national security directive 221. This makes drug trafficking a threat to national security. While this change in US policy puts more weight on Pablo’s shoulders, he does not fear Columbian government. Pablo had many police officers, judges, and other politicians who either feared him or were on his pay roll. (15:50) • Pablo’s policy with the Columbian government was plumo or ploto (silver or lead). This similarly means you can accept Pablo’s bribe or accept his bullets. •