During his reign of terror, Pablo Escobar was feared not only by Colombians but by people across the world. The lives of police, politicians, journalists, rival gangs, and innocent civilians were lost during his notorious acts of violence at the height of his cocaine smuggling career. Former DEA Special Agents Javier Peña and Steve Murphy were tasked with the impossible mission of taking down Escobar and his deadly cartel. In part two of this story, the duo details the capture and final moments of the notorious drug lord, Pablo Escobar.

Steve Murphy was the recipient of numerous awards and honors throughout his law enforcement career, including the “DEA Special Agent of the Year Award,” the “DEA Administrator’s Group Achievement Award,” the “Director’s Award” from DOJ’s OCDETF Program, the “Distinguished Service Cross” from the Republic of Colombia (first time presented to a non-Colombian official), and the “International Award of Honor” from the International Narcotic Enforcement Officers Association.

For his efforts, Javier Peña received Colombia’s highest award given to someone, not a Colombian citizen, as well as commendation awards from the DEA and the international community. Additionally, the U.S. Government honored Javier in 2010 with the Presidential Rank Award in 2010, awarded to exceptional career Senior Executive Service (SES) members and Senior Career Employees.

Follow Emily on Instagram: @realemilycompagno

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