Jhon Jairo Velásquez

Jhon Jairo Vel%C3%A1squez

Jhon Jairo Velásquez (1962-2020), also known by his nickname Popeye, was a Colombian hitman who was one of the top lieutenants of the notorious Medellín Cartel, led by Pablo Escobar. Throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, Velásquez was involved in various aspects of organized crime, including assassinations, kidnappings, and drug trafficking. His life story sheds light on the dark operations of one of the most infamous drug lords in history and the impact of the drug trade on Colombian society.

Early Life

Jhon Jairo Velásquez was born in Yarumal, Antioquia, Colombia. Little is known about his early life before he became involved with the Medellín Cartel. He joined the cartel in the early 1980s, quickly rising through the ranks due to his loyalty and proficiency in carrying out orders.

Career in Crime

As a member of the Medellín Cartel, Velásquez claimed to have been directly involved in over 300 murders and coordinated the killings of thousands more. He was a key figure in the cartel's battle against the Colombian government and rival criminal organizations, including the Cali Cartel. Velásquez was known for his ruthless efficiency and was one of Escobar's most trusted hitmen.

His criminal activities were not limited to murder. Velásquez also participated in numerous kidnappings, including the abduction of Andrés Pastrana Arango, who would later become the President of Colombia, and the daughter of a prominent Colombian businessman. These kidnappings were often carried out to leverage the cartel's demands against the Colombian government or rival factions.

Arrest and Imprisonment

In 1992, Velásquez surrendered to the Colombian authorities as part of a negotiation deal with the government that allowed cartel members to receive reduced sentences in exchange for their surrender. He was sentenced to prison for his numerous crimes.

While in prison, Velásquez authored several books about his life and experiences within the Medellín Cartel, providing a unique insight into the inner workings of the cartel and its leadership. His writings and interviews have been a source of controversy, as they often glorified his criminal past.

Later Life and Death

After serving 22 years of a 30-year sentence, Velásquez was released from prison in 2014. Following his release, he became a YouTube personality and social media influencer, discussing his past and commenting on current events in Colombia. Despite his attempts to reinvent himself, his past continued to haunt him.

Jhon Jairo Velásquez died on February 6, 2020, from stomach cancer. His death marked the end of a notorious figure in Colombia's criminal history, but the legacy of the violence and turmoil he contributed to continues to affect the country.

Legacy

Velásquez's life story is a testament to the dark era of Colombia's history dominated by drug cartels and widespread violence. His actions and those of the Medellín Cartel had a profound impact on Colombia, influencing the country's politics, society, and culture. The tales of his criminal exploits and subsequent transformation into a public figure remain a controversial topic in Colombia and beyond.