One of the big lords of the drug cartels in Colombia is Pablo Escobar, a criminal who became a leader and expanded his influence on organized crime throughout the North and South American continents. With billions in his bank account, in cash, and in other assents, it's not easy to ignore his name and the power he gained.

In 1976, Escobar established the Medellín Cartel, which dispersed powder cocaine, and developed the first smuggling paths into the United States. In the 1982 Colombian parliamentary election, Escobar was chosen as an alternate member of the Chamber of Representatives as part of the Liberal Alternative movement.

What determined his road to success, his personal problems, and eventually, to his death? Learn more about this influential figure in recent modern-day history.