George Jung

George Jacob Jung (August 6, 1942 – May 5, 2021), nicknamed Boston George and El Americano, was an American drug trafficker and smuggler. He was an important figure in the cocaine trade in the United States in the 1970s and early 1980s.

George Jung
Jung in La Tuna prison in 2010
BornGeorge Jacob Jung
(1942-08-06)August 6, 1942
Boston, Massachusetts, U.S.
DiedMay 5, 2021(2021-05-05) (aged 78)
Weymouth, Massachusetts, U.S.
Alias(es)Boston George, El Americano
Conviction(s)Drug trafficking and smuggling
StatusDeceased
OccupationDrug trafficker and smuggler
ParentsFrederick Jung and Ermine Jung
ChildrenKristina Sunshine Jung, step daughter Clara Pearson

Jung was a part of the Medellín Cartel, which was responsible for up to 90% of the cocaine smuggled into the United States.

His life story was based in the biopic Blow (2001), starring Johnny Depp as Jung. Jung was released from prison on June 2, 2014, after serving nearly 20 years for drug smuggling.[1]

Jung died at his home in Weymouth, Massachusetts from liver and kidney failure on May 5, 2021 at the age of 78.[2]

References

  1. Zach Schonfeld (June 6, 2014). "'Blow' Drug Trafficker George Jung Released From Jail". Newsweek. Retrieved April 24, 2015.
  2. Michallon, Clémence (May 5, 2021). "George Jung death: Drug smuggler who inspired film 'Blow' dies aged 78". The Independent. Retrieved May 5, 2021.