N3. Tranquilandia was the Disneyland of Cocaine Production
When Pablo Escobar was running the Medellin Cartel it supplied the U.S. with 84-90% of its cocaine in the 1970s and 80s.
And when it was at its best, it also controlled 80% of the global cocaine market. Some people estimated that the cartel ranked in $60 million per day.
While the Medellin Cartel operated several drug processing facilities in Columbia, the one that’s worth mention was Tranquilandia.
It was located deep in the remote jungle region of Caqueta, Columbia, and was like the Disneyland of cocaine production.
Tranquilandia had 19 laboratories and eight airstrips, guarded by a heavily armed militia.
Contrary to its remote location, this area featured luxurious dormitories for its workers, several generators for electricity, and a constant supply of water from the Yari River.
In March 1984, the DEA raided the facility, seizing seven airplanes and 13.8 tons of cocaine.
