Pablo Escobar, also known as ‘The Boss,’ is believed to be the most significant drug trafficker the world has ever witnessed. At the peak of his power, he was responsible for as much as 80% of all cocaine being smuggled globally.
The cocaine lord of Colombia managed to smuggle around 15 tons, nearly half a billion dollars worth of cocaine, into the United States each day. Besides his massive drug empire, Pablo Escobar commanded a ruthless army of serial killers who would do anything for him, called sicarios.
The most infamous among them were Popeye, La Quica, and Blackie. If you’re a follower of the popular Netflix series ‘Narcos,’ you might already be familiar with their names. Today, we’ll delve into where these cold-blooded killers are now and the story behind their murderous allegiance.
Number 1: Popeye
Popeye may sound whimsical, but the reality is far from that. Juan Jairo Velázquez, Popeye’s real name, earned his nickname due to his protruding jaw, which he later fixed through surgery. Born in Yarumal, Antioquia, Colombia, Popeye was initially a part of the Colombian National Army and later joined the National Police Cadet School.
His early association with organizations meant to protect the public took a drastic turn. Despite attending the National Police Academy for only a semester, he excelled in a different kind of skill: killing. Popeye willingly confessed to murdering 257 people, and the actual number could be even higher.
His criminal activities included numerous kidnappings, targeting even influential figures like politicians. He orchestrated approximately 3,000 murders. Despite being a ruthless hitman, Popeye presents a surprising contrast with his polished appearance. He died from stomach cancer after a period of constantly going in and out of prison. He even set up a YouTube channel, sharing stories about his life as a merciless killer.
Number 2: La Quica Dandeni Muñoz
Mosquera, also known as La Quica, is often considered the most brutal among Pablo Escobar’s hitmen. La Quica entered the Colombian drug war after a stint in the Colombian army. Rising through the cartel’s ranks, he became an expert at torture and murder. His victims often bore the “KK” carving, a gruesome signature. He trained child killers in his camp, transforming them into loyal and proficient murderers.
La Quica was behind the infamous 1989 bombing of Avianca Flight 203, which killed all 101 passengers on board. This incident marked the first use of the 1956 federal law that criminalized bombing civilian aircraft. He was also the first person tried under the 1986 terrorism statute, enabling the U.S. to put foreign criminals on trial for American deaths. La Quica received 10 life sentences and 45 years, serving his time alongside notorious criminals.
Number 3: Blackie Nelson
Hernández, known as Blackie due to his African descent, was another trusted associate of Pablo Escobar. As a close partner, he carried out hits and acts of violence without hesitation. Blackie was responsible for several assassinations and kidnappings. He played a significant role in the 1993 Bogota bombing, which killed numerous innocent people. His guilt over the attack led him to apologize to God.
After his arrest, Blackie provided information about other criminals to the DEA in exchange for leniency. His current whereabouts remain unknown, but it’s speculated that he’s living under the witness protection program.
In conclusion, these hitmen were instrumental in perpetrating Pablo Escobar’s reign of terror. Their stories reflect the grim reality of their involvement in one of the darkest chapters of criminal history.