Pablo Escobar was a Colombian drug lord who started dealing cocaine in the 1970s and built a vast criminal empire and fortune through the Medellin drug cartel. He controlled much of the cocaine trade running into the United States and had many estates, airstrips, and warehouses for drug production. Though a ruthless criminal involved in killing and drugs, he also had a compassionate side and cared for those close to him. He tried to gain popularity among common people through sponsoring a local soccer team. However, his immense power eventually led to his death as government agencies like the CIA sought to bring down his empire. Even after his death, some Colombians still revere his memory.