Famous Narcos

Colombian-German co-founder of the Medellín Cartel. Extradited to the US in February 1987 in violation of Colombia's 1886 constitution. Served 33 years in US federal prison, released 2020; after time in Germany, returned to Colombia where he lives today.

Colombian founder and operational head of the Medellín Cartel. Killed by Colombian security forces in Medellín on 2 December 1993.

Eldest of the Ochoa brothers, senior Medellín Cartel figure. Surrendered to Colombian authorities in 1991 under the Sometimiento programme; released after his Colombian sentence.

Youngest Ochoa brother. Extradited to the US in 2001; released and deported to Colombia in December 2024 after a 24-year US federal sentence.

Colombian trafficker known as "El Mexicano", partner of Escobar in the Medellín Cartel. Killed by Colombian police near Tolú on 15 December 1989.

Colombian trafficker who ran the Medellín Cartel's Miami distribution wing. Deported to Colombia in 2004; killed in Medellín on 3 September 2012.

Mexican founder of the Guadalajara Cartel, known as "El Jefe de Jefes". Convicted for the 1985 murder of DEA agent Enrique "Kiki" Camarena; serving a 37-year Mexican sentence.

Mexican co-founder of the Guadalajara Cartel; convicted of the Camarena murder. Recaptured in Mexico in July 2022; extradited to the US on 18 February 2025.

Mexican head of the Juárez Cartel, known as "El Señor de los Cielos" for the Boeing 727s he used to fly cocaine. Died 4 July 1997 during plastic surgery in Mexico City.

Mexican head of the Sinaloa Cartel. Extradited to the US in January 2017, convicted at EDNY in February 2019, serving life at ADX Florence.

Mexican co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, evaded arrest for four decades. Arrested at a Texas airport on 25 July 2024; awaits US federal trial.

Colombian co-founder of the Cali Cartel with his brother Miguel. Extradited to the US on 3 December 2004; died in US federal custody on 31 May 2022.

Colombian co-founder of the Cali Cartel. Extradited to the US in 2005; continues serving his US federal sentence.

Colombian co-founder of the Cali Cartel, known as "Don Chepe". Killed in a Medellín police operation on 5 March 1996 after escaping from La Picota prison in January 1996.

Colombian senior Cali Cartel operative. Surrendered under the 1996 Sometimiento programme; killed by a hitman inside Palmira maximum-security prison on 4 November 1998.