35 Facts About George Jung

Early Life

George Jung, also known as "Boston George," led a life filled with twists and turns. His early years set the stage for his future endeavors.

1. Born on August 6, 1942, in Boston, Massachusetts, Jung grew up in a working-class family.
2. His father, Frederick Jung, worked as a small business owner, while his mother, Ermine, was a homemaker.
3. George attended Weymouth High School, where he was an average student but excelled in sports.
4. After high school, he briefly attended the University of Southern Mississippi, majoring in advertising but never completed his degree.

Entry into Drug Trade

Jung's life took a dramatic turn when he entered the drug trade. His involvement began with marijuana but soon escalated.

5. In the late 1960s, George started smuggling marijuana from California to New England.
6. He used innovative methods, such as hiding marijuana in the trunks of cars and flying it across the country.
7. Jung's operations expanded rapidly, making him a significant player in the marijuana trade.
8. In 1974, he was arrested in Chicago for smuggling 660 pounds of marijuana.

Partnership with the Medellín Cartel

Jung's most notorious period came when he partnered with the infamous Medellín Cartel, led by Pablo Escobar.

9. While in prison, George met Carlos Lehder, a key figure in the Medellín Cartel.
10. Lehder introduced Jung to the world of cocaine smuggling, changing his life forever.
11. Together, they developed a new smuggling route from Colombia to the United States.
12. By the late 1970s, Jung was responsible for smuggling 85% of the cocaine entering the U.S.
13. His operations made him millions of dollars, earning him the nickname "El Americano."

Arrests and Imprisonment

Despite his success, Jung's criminal activities eventually caught up with him, leading to multiple arrests and imprisonments.

14. In 1987, George was arrested in his mansion in Massachusetts and sentenced to 20 years in prison.
15. He cooperated with authorities, providing information on his associates, which reduced his sentence.
16. Released in 1994, Jung attempted to go straight but soon returned to the drug trade.
17. In 1995, he was arrested again for violating parole and sentenced to 60 years in prison.
18. His sentence was later reduced, and he was released in 2014.

Personal Life

Jung's personal life was as tumultuous as his criminal career, marked by relationships and family struggles.

19. George married Mirtha Calderon in 1977, a fellow drug smuggler.
20. They had a daughter, Kristina Sunshine Jung, born in 1978.
21. His marriage to Mirtha was troubled, largely due to their involvement in drugs.
22. The couple divorced in 1984, and George's relationship with his daughter became strained.
23. Despite their rocky relationship, Kristina visited her father in prison and maintained some contact.

Pop Culture Influence

Jung's life story has had a significant impact on popular culture, inspiring books, movies, and documentaries.

24. The 2001 film "Blow," starring Johnny Depp, is based on George Jung's life.
25. The movie was adapted from the book "Blow: How a Small-Town Boy Made $100 Million with the Medellín Cocaine Cartel and Lost It All" by Bruce Porter.
26. Depp's portrayal of Jung brought widespread attention to his story.
27. George made a cameo appearance in the film, playing a small role.
28. The film's success led to renewed interest in Jung's life and criminal activities.

Later Years

In his later years, Jung attempted to leave his criminal past behind and focus on more positive endeavors.

29. After his release in 2014, George lived a relatively low-profile life.
30. He wrote his memoir, "Heavy," detailing his experiences in the drug trade.
31. Jung made appearances at various events, sharing his story and warning others about the dangers of drugs.
32. He reconnected with his daughter Kristina, working to rebuild their relationship.
33. George also became active on social media, sharing insights and anecdotes from his life.

Death

George Jung's life came to an end in 2021, but his legacy continues to fascinate and intrigue people worldwide.

34. Jung passed away on May 5, 2021, at the age of 78.
35. He died in Weymouth, Massachusetts, surrounded by family and friends.

The Final Chapter of George Jung's Life

George Jung's life was a wild ride. From humble beginnings to becoming one of the most infamous drug traffickers, his story is both fascinating and cautionary. His involvement with the Medellín Cartel and his eventual downfall highlight the dangers of living on the edge. After serving a lengthy prison sentence, Jung tried to turn his life around, sharing his experiences and lessons learned. His story serves as a reminder that choices have consequences, and even the most thrilling lifestyles come with a price. Whether you see him as a criminal or a complex character, George Jung's life is a testament to the highs and lows of living outside the law. His legacy continues to intrigue and educate, offering valuable insights into the world of drug trafficking and its impact on society.