A proposed law in the Colombian Congress aims to ban the sale of products that glorify former drug lord Pablo Escobar. The proposed law would prohibit the sale, use, and transportation of clothing and items that support criminals, including Escobar. Supporters of the bill say they are not interested in erasing Escobar from history, but opinions on the matter are divided.

Pablo Escobar, who was killed by security forces in 1993, has been immortalized in books, music, and TV shows like the Netflix series Narcos, reaching almost a cult status worldwide. In Colombia, his name and face can be found on mugs, keychains, and t-shirts in tourist shops catering to curious visitors. However, a proposed law in the Colombian Congress aims to change this.

PENALTIES FOR PRODUCTS GLORIFYING CRIMINALS The bill aims to ban Escobar’s products to put an end to the glorification of the drug lord, who played a central role in the global cocaine trade and is held accountable for at least 4,000 murders. The proposed law would prohibit the sale, use, and transportation of clothing and items that support criminals, including Escobar. Violators will face fines and businesses may be shut down. Many vendors selling these items claim that the new law will seriously impact their livelihoods.

GRACE PERIOD FOR SELLERS If the bill is approved, sellers will be given a specific time to become familiar with the new rules and gradually phase out their Escobar stocks. Supporters of the bill, however, say they are not interested in erasing Escobar from history. Allegedly, the main purpose of the law is to erase his legendary status, honor the victims he killed, and acknowledge the pain of those left behind.