In the 1980s, Pablo Escobar ruled over a cocaine empire that brought in an estimated $420 million a week. He commanded an army of hired killers responsible for thousands of deaths in Colombia. These "sicarios" carried out brazen attacks and showed no mercy, helping Escobar‘s Medellín cartel control the global drug trade through fear and violence.
Popeye – The Chief Hitman
Jhon Jairo Velásquez, alias "Popeye," worked as Escobar‘s top hitman. According to his own admission, Popeye coordinated assassinations, bombings, and kidnappings that led to hundreds of casualties.
"I was a criminal, a murderer, a killer, and a hoodlum," he said.
Popeye personally carried out at least 300 killings and kidnappings ordered by Escobar. He also masterminded high-profile bomb attacks like the 1989 bombing of Avianca Flight 203 which killed 110 passengers and crew.
For his efforts, Popeye made millions of dollars and lived a lavish lifestyle until Escobar‘s death. He was eventually caught in 1992 and sentenced to 30 years in prison.
La Quica – Escobar‘s Most Prolific Killer
Escobar prized Roberto Escobar Gaviria, alias "La Quica," for his efficacy and cruelty when carrying out assassinations. La Quica started off as a car thief before joining the cartel, where many say he killed over 300 people without hesitation.
"He enjoyed killing," Popeye said of his former associate.
La Quica carried out bombings and shootings targeting presidential candidates, journalists, ministers, and Supreme Court justices who opposed Escobar’s interests. He famously used a Colt M16 rifle with a grenade launcher in his hits.
In one high-profile assassination ordered by Escobar, La Quica participated in gunning down presidential candidate Luis Carlos Galán at a campaign rally along with two other gunmen.
Like Popeye, La Quica evaded arrest for years until he was captured in 1992.
The Violent Downfalls of Pinina and Others
Other prominent sicarios for Escobar included Pinina, Chopo, and Orión. Many of them eventually met violent ends themselves…