Chasing After “Plata O Plomo” in Medellin: An Encounter with a Colombian Hero

The phrase ldquo;plata o plomordquo; is a treacherous choice between life (plata, meaning ldquo;silverrdquo;) and death (plomo, meaning ldquo;leadrdquo;), often related to Colombian organized crime during the 1980s and 1990s. This notorious statement was made by the infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar, who terrorized many across Medellin and beyond.

Background on Pablo Escobar

Pablo Escobar, the kingpin of the Medellin Cartel, is a dark figure in modern history. His reign was marked by violence, corruption, and fear. Escobar was more than a drug lord; he was a symbol of power and control in a city that was struggling to break free from his grip.

The Choice between Silver and Lead

The tragic tale of a Colombian police officer in the 1990s provides a window into the harsh reality of living and working in Medellin. This officer, named Jorge Pérez, faced a life-changing decision between maintaining his family's safety (plata) and upholding his duty as a police officer (plomo).

During a routine assignment, Jorge and his fellow officers were patrolling a popular shopping center. Suddenly, the city was rocked by a bomb blast. It was a scene of absolute chaos and violence. As if the bombing was not enough to create fear, Escobar himself approached Jorge and presented him with the infamous ultimatum: ldquo;plata o plomo.rdquo;

The confrontation was immediate and decisive. With his family in jeopardy, Jorge was forced to choose quickly. His decision to take the money (plata) instead of revealing information (plomo) might seem callous, but it was a matter of survival. Hundreds of others were killed or injured in the bombing, a stark reminder of the immense danger surrounding the officer's decision.

The Aftermath

Within moments, Jorge had to make a strategic retreat. He needed to ensure his family's safety and make an emergency call. Using a landline (since cell phones were not yet widely available), he dialed his wife, Maria Pea, a nurse at Hospital Pablo Tobon. After a few tense moments, he was able to confirm his family's safety and pray that they were not in the immediate vicinity of the explosion.

With a few hundred dollars in his pocket, Jorge left the scene. He had made the choice between ldquo;plata o plomordquo; and dealt with the consequent guilt and fear. After the explosion, countless families were left reeling from the loss of loved ones, while Jorge and his family were spared the same trauma.

A More Resilient Hero

This story is not just about the choice between ldquo;plata o plomordquo; but about the resilience of a person in the face of unimaginable pressure. Jorge Pérez, despite his cowardice in this moment, goes on to become a more nuanced character in the annals of Medellin's history. He represents the complexity of the human response to violence and fear, and the enduring struggle to maintain dignity and humanity in the face of overwhelming power.

Conclusion

The legacy of ldquo;plata o plomordquo; looms large in the historical narrative of Medellin. Stories like Jorge Pérez's provide a compelling insight into the choices that people in extreme and terrifying situations must make. It is a stark reminder of the enduring power of organized crime and the personal costs of resistance. As we reflect on the brutal and contentious history of Medellin, it is these stories that allow us to connect with the human experience beyond the headlines and the statistics.

In the end, ldquo;plata o plomordquo; remains a haunting phrase that haunts not just its victims but also those chosen to carry out such violent orders. It is a testament to the resilience and courage of those who, despite their choices, strive to survive and protect their loved ones.