Escobar's criminal career began early and escalated rapidly.
Early Crimes
Early 1970s
Escobar started his criminal career by selling illegal cigarettes and fake lottery tickets, and participating in motor vehicle theft.
Founding of Medellín Cartel
1976
Escobar founded the Medellín Cartel, which distributed powder cocaine and established the first smuggling routes from Peru, Bolivia, and Ecuador, through Colombia and eventually into the United States.
Expansion and Dominance
1980s
The Medellín Cartel expanded and dominated the cocaine trade into the United States, with Escobar leading monthly shipments of 70 to 80 tons of cocaine.
