George Jung: The Life And Legacy Of America's Notorious Drug Dealer

Thanks in large part to the Johnny Depp film Blow, George Jung is one of America's most notorious drug dealers. His legendary status can be traced back to 1974 when he was a low-level drug smuggler. Just like you see in the movie, Jung had been sentenced to four years in Danbury, Connecticut, at the Federal Correctional Institute after being caught with a truck filled with marijuana in Chicago.

Years later, Jung would call Danbury a "mellow, laid-back place" where you could learn any illicit skill you wanted; "it was basically a school." At the time, his offense was relatively light, and his term fairly short. However, a decision that ended up changing the American drug landscape forever occurred when the prison authorities placed him in a cell with Carlos Lehder, a young Colombian-American who had been picked up for stealing cars.

The coincidental pairing created a huge opportunity. Lehder was looking for a way to get drugs out of Colombia and find people to sell them to in the United States, and Jung was there to help. He knew how to import drugs by plane, and Lehder had the Colombian contacts. When they were released in 1976, they changed the American drug landscape forever.

Table of Contents

• Biography
• Early Life and Criminal Beginnings
• The Rise in the Drug Trade
• Partnership with Carlos Lehder
• Collaboration with Pablo Escobar
• Captured and Released
• Legacy and Impact

Biography

Early Life and Criminal Beginnings

George Jung was raised in a typical American family, but he quickly strayed from the path of conventional life. His early encounters with marijuana opened the door to a world filled with illegal activities. After being caught with a truck filled with marijuana, Jung's life took a drastic turn, leading him to serve time in prison.

During his time at the Federal Correctional Institute in Danbury, Jung's perspective on life changed. He found himself in a unique environment where he could learn the tricks of the trade from fellow inmates. This experience would shape his future in the drug industry.

The Rise in the Drug Trade

Upon his release, Jung teamed up with Carlos Lehder to expand their drug trade. They developed a network that allowed them to import cocaine from Colombia into the U.S. This marked the beginning of a new era in drug trafficking, where the demand for cocaine skyrocketed.

As their operations grew, Jung and Lehder established connections with prominent figures in the drug world, launching them into the heights of the cocaine trade. Their collaboration would forever alter the landscape of drug trafficking in America.

Partnership with Carlos Lehder

The partnership between Jung and Lehder was pivotal in the establishment of a robust drug trafficking operation. They leveraged their unique skills—Jung's knowledge of air transport and Lehder's Colombian contacts—to create a highly profitable business.

With a network in place, they began shipping cocaine by the planeload, ultimately connecting with major cartels like Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel. Their venture became one of the most expansive drug operations in history.

Collaboration with Pablo Escobar

As Jung's operations flourished, he found himself working directly with Pablo Escobar. This partnership allowed for the seamless transportation of cocaine into the United States. At their peak, Escobar's cartel was responsible for supplying a significant portion of the world's cocaine.

George Jung's association with Escobar solidified his status in the drug world, but it also set the stage for future challenges. Their relationship was complex, filled with both riches and danger.

Captured and Released

Despite his success, Jung's life took a turn when he was arrested in Florida. While in prison, he was approached to testify against Lehder. This tumultuous period marked the end of his position in the drug trade.

After spending nearly two decades behind bars, Jung was released in mid-2014. His return to society came with reflections on his past, and he often credited Lehder for his rise in the drug world.

Legacy and Impact

Today, George Jung is remembered as one of America's most infamous drug traffickers. His story has been popularized in films and documentaries, shedding light on the complexities of the drug trade.

While Jung's life of crime brought wealth and notoriety, it also serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of illegal activities. He has become a symbol of both the allure and dangers of drug trafficking in America.

In summary, George Jung's life reflects a fascinating intersection of ambition, crime, and consequence. His legacy endures, providing insights into the world of drug trafficking and its impact on society.