Roberto Suárez Gómez

Roberto Su%C3%A1rez Gomez

Roberto Suárez Gómez (1932 – July 20, 2000) was a Bolivian drug trafficker, often referred to as the "King of Cocaine." He played a significant role in the international cocaine trade during the 1970s and 1980s.

Early Life

Roberto Suárez Gómez was born in 1932 in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. He came from a wealthy family with significant landholdings. His early life was marked by privilege, and he was well-educated.

Rise to Power

Suárez Gómez began his involvement in the drug trade in the early 1970s. He capitalized on Bolivia's position as a major producer of coca, the raw material for cocaine. By establishing connections with Colombian drug cartels, particularly the Medellín Cartel, he was able to expand his operations significantly.

The Cocaine King

During the late 1970s and early 1980s, Suárez Gómez's influence in the cocaine trade grew exponentially. He was responsible for a large portion of the cocaine that was smuggled into the United States and other countries. His operations were highly organized, and he employed a vast network of individuals to cultivate, process, and transport cocaine.

Political Influence

Suárez Gómez's wealth and power allowed him to exert significant influence over Bolivian politics. He was known to have connections with high-ranking officials and was able to operate with relative impunity. His influence was so extensive that he was able to orchestrate the Cocaine Coup of 1980, which installed a government sympathetic to his operations.

Downfall and Arrest

The mid-1980s saw increased efforts by the United States and other countries to combat the international drug trade. In 1988, Suárez Gómez was arrested by Bolivian authorities. He was subsequently extradited to the United States, where he faced numerous charges related to drug trafficking.

Death

Roberto Suárez Gómez died on July 20, 2000, in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. His death marked the end of an era in the Bolivian drug trade.

Legacy

Suárez Gómez's life and career have been the subject of numerous books and documentaries. He remains a controversial figure, seen by some as a ruthless criminal and by others as a product of the socio-economic conditions of his time.

See Also

• Cocaine
• Medellín Cartel
• Cocaine Coup
• Drug trafficking in Bolivia