Minister of Justice
In August 1983, Lara, who belonged to the New Liberalism created through him and Luis Carlos Galan, was appointed by President Belisario Betancur as Minister of Justice, replacing Bernardo Gaitán Mahecha. Lara Bonilla, together with Galan, publicly denounced the drug cartels, especially in Medellin, where the cartel was led by Pablo Escobar. When Escobar was elected to the Congress, Lara denounced him, citing his connection to drug cartels. In addition, Lara Bonilla also exposed Escobar and the cartel for influencing politics and sports through corruption. This triggered a trap set by some politicians, drug dealers and journalists who were threatened by the explosive growth of Lara Bonilla in government and especially in the fight against drug trafficking. Jairo Ortega, Escobar's ally in Congress, presented a check (eventually shown to be falsified) to the chamber, supposedly drawn by known drug trafficker Evaristo Porras. This, in addition to a recorded conversation between Lara Bonilla and Porras, caused many to question Lara Bonilla's legitimacy. President Betancur, however, dismissed the allegations and retained Lara Bonilla in office.
After the link between Lara Bonilla and the drug cartels was discredited, the government began uncovering the shadowy dealings of the Medellin cartel, specifically Pablo Escobar. Escobar was expelled from the Congress and his U.S. visa cancelled. The Minister went further, reviving criminal charges against Escobar and other drug lords, such as Carlos Lehder. Lara Bonilla also ordered the seizure of hundreds of planes and properties that were allegedly used for the production and distribution of hallucinogenic substances. While Congress debated approving an extradition treaty with the United States, Escobar and his allies now sought to solve their problems by physically eliminating Lara Bonilla.
Read more about this topic: Rodrigo Lara Bonilla
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