Member-only story

The Pablo Escobar Story: Steve Martorano's Insider Account

Eugene Scott

·3.7k Followers· Follow

Published in The Pablo Escobar Story Steve Martorano

5 min read · 2 weeks before

240 View Claps

17 Respond

Save

Listen

The Pablo Escobar Story

by Steve Martorano

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	7246 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	22 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

Pablo Escobar, the infamous Colombian drug lord, has captivated the world with his audacious exploits and ruthless tactics. His rise to power, drug empire, and eventual downfall have been the subject of countless books, movies, and documentaries.

Among those who knew Escobar intimately was Steve Martorano, a former member of the Medellín Cartel. In his gripping memoir, "Pablo Escobar: My Time with the Colombian Drug Lord," Martorano gives an insider's account of Escobar's world.

Escobar's Humble Beginnings

Pablo Escobar was born in 1949 in Rionegro, Colombia. He grew up in poverty, but his ambitions were far-reaching. In the early 1970s, he entered the cocaine trade, smuggling small amounts of the drug from Colombia to the United States.

By 1975, Escobar had established himself as a major player in the drug trade. He formed the Medellín Cartel, which quickly became one of the most powerful and feared criminal organizations in the world.

The Rise of the Medellín Cartel

The Medellín Cartel controlled a vast network of drug production and distribution, stretching from Colombia to the United States and Europe. Escobar himself amassed a vast fortune, estimated to be as high as $30 billion at its peak.

Escobar's wealth and power allowed him to live a lavish lifestyle. He owned luxurious mansions, private jets, and a sprawling zoo with exotic animals. He also built a private militia to protect his empire.

Escobar's Reign of Terror

While Escobar enjoyed a life of luxury, he also ruled with an iron fist. Anyone who crossed him or threatened his empire faced swift and brutal retribution.

Escobar's reign of terror included kidnappings, bombings, and assassinations. He even targeted government officials and law enforcement officers who dared to oppose him.

Martorano's Role in the Cartel

Steve Martorano joined the Medellín Cartel in the early 1980s. He rose through the ranks, becoming one of Escobar's most trusted lieutenants.

Martorano was responsible for overseeing the cartel's drug operations in the United States. He also played a key role in organizing Escobar's surrender to Colombian authorities in 1991.

Escobar's Downfall

Despite his wealth and power, Escobar's reign came to an end in 1993. He was killed by Colombian police in a raid on one of his hideouts.

Escobar's death marked the end of the Medellín Cartel and the beginning of a new era in the Colombian drug trade. However, his legacy continues to fascinate and inspire both fear and admiration.

Martorano's Redemption

After Escobar's death, Martorano turned his life around. He became a successful businessman and author. In his memoir, he shares his firsthand account of Escobar's world, offering a unique perspective on the rise and fall of one of the most notorious criminals in history.

Steve Martorano's story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed, violence, and corruption. It is also a story of redemption and hope, showing that even those who have been involved in the darkest of deeds can find a path to a better life.