Griselda Blanco Net Worth: How Rich was the Drug Lord Actually?

Griselda Blanco was a Columbian drug lord who became prominent for her drug trade and had a connection to the underworld of Miami between the 1970s and 2000s. She was sentenced to 15 years in prison after being found guilty by the federal court. Blanco died on November 3, 2012, after a motorist shot her twice. Griselda Blanco net worth at the time of her death is estimated to be around $2 billion.

Early Life

Griselda Blanco was born in February 1943 in Cartagena, Bolivar. She was raised by her mom, Ana Blanco. Griselda was exposed to a criminal lifestyle since she was very young. Her former boyfriend, Charles Cosby stated that she allegedly attempted to ransom at an early age by kidnapping someone. She also shot a kid from an upscale flatland.

Before turning 13, she had become a pickpocket. She left her house at 19 due to the sexual abuse of her mom’s boyfriend. When she reached 20, she became involved in stealing in Medellin. During her struggling days, she is speculated to have been involved in prostitution. However, he denied the speculation.

Griselda Blanco Net Worth & Career

Griselda Blanco became a key figure in establishing a cocaine trade business between Columbia and big cities like Miami, and New York. She earned over $80 million monthly as her distribution network spanned the United States. Initially, she began a marijuana-dealing enterprise in Colombia along with her first husband, Carlos.

Griselda illegally settled down in the United States in 1964 with the help of fake papers. During that time, she was living with her second husband, Alberto, and three kids. Along with Alberto, she started a thriving drug operation. Unfortunately, she and 30 of her subordinates were indicted in April 1975. However, she and her family members fled to Columbia to get out of the conviction. In the late 1970s, she moved back to the U.S. and started operating in Miami.

As soon as she returned to the United States, a series of violent public conflicts started. During the 1980s, the Miami drug war began where heavy loads of cocaine were trafficked compared to cannabis. The period of the Miami drug war led to the creation of the Central Tactic Unit.

In February 1985, Griselda was arrested by the Drug Enforcement Administration. She was charged for her involvement in manufacturing, importing, and distributing cocaine. Blanco was eventually sentenced to fifteen years in prison after finding guilty in federal court. While she was staying in prison, an additional charge was made against her including 3 counts of first-degree murder. However, the case was dissolved at that time due to technicalities.

Griselda pleaded guilty to 3 counts of second-degree murder in 1998. She was subsequently sentenced to twenty years in prison. In 2002, she had a heart attack in prison and was deported to Madellin after granting compassionate release from her imprisonment.

The Netflix series revolving around Griselda’s real story premiered on January 25, 2024. Griselda’s drama series centers around a downtrodden woman who turns into the deadliest female drug lord standing up against all odds. The series begins with Griselda who flees from Medellin where she murdered her husband who asked her to spend the night with his brothers to repay his drug trafficking debts. Then, the drama series follows the story to Miami where she rises as a cocaine queenpin.

Personal Life

Griselda Blanco was married three times and had four kids from her marriage life. She had three sons from her first husband, Carlos Trujillo. Blanco met Carlos when she was 13. Griselda gave birth to her three sons before she turned 21. After separating from Carlos, she married her second husband, Alberto Bravo. Blanco eventually murdered Bravo by shooting him in the head.

Then, she married her third husband, Dario Sepulveda with whom she shares a son, Michael Corleone Blanco. In 1983, Dario left her and returned to Colombia. Not only that, he also kidnapped and kept with him. Later, Griselda paid some amount to have Dario assassinated in Colombia. Soon after, her son, Michael moved back to her in the United States. Griselda was murdered on September 3, 2012, on 29th street in Medellin, where she was assassinated on a motorcycle and shot twice. During that time, she was visiting the Cardiso Butcher shop with her pregnant daughter-in-law, who was left unharmed.

Griselda Blanco Net Worth

Griselda Blanco’s net worth at the time of her death is estimated to be around $2 billion. She was considered one of the richest criminals in the world. Blanco’s lucrative business reportedly generated $80 million in a month. When she died, the police seized her four properties, which were reported to be valued at around $118 million. Blanco also owned a $32 million apartment. According to reports, her overall property was approximately over $500 million.