In 1989, Forbes magazine estimated Escobar to be one of 227 billionaires in the world with a personal net worth of approaching US$3 billion while his Medellín Cartel controlled 80% of the global cocaine market.
I 1989 estimerede Forbes-magasinet Escobar til at være en af 227 milliardærer i verden med en personlig nettoværdi der nærmede sig 3 milliarder dollar mens hans Medellín-kartel kontrollerede 80% af det globale kokainmarked.