Is Griselda Based On A True Story? Meet The Godmother Of The Cartels

Michelle Hall
Jan 09, 2024
Jan 10, 2024

The 1970s drug trade, a topic that has inspired numerous films and TV series, is the focus of Netflix's upcoming miniseries "Griselda." But is Griselda based on a true story?

The definitive answer is Yes. This true-crime series offers a semi-fictionalized account of the life of Griselda Blanco, portrayed by Sofia Vergara. Blanco, known as the Cocaine Godmother, was one of the most notorious and successful drug lords of her time.

Who Was Griselda Blanco - The Godmother Of Cartels?

Source: Cinema Express

In reality, Griselda Blanco's story is as complex as it is infamous. She was born in Colombia and rose to prominence in the drug trade in the 1970s and 1980s. Blanco was a key figure in the Medellín Cartel and played a significant role in the Miami drug wars during this period. Her operations mainly involved cocaine trafficking, and she was known for her ruthless tactics, including violence and murder, to maintain control and power in the drug trade.

Blanco's life was marked by extreme violence and criminal activities. She was reportedly responsible for the deaths of numerous people, including competitors, associates, and even innocent bystanders. Her notoriety earned her various nicknames, including the Black Widow and the Queen of Narco-Trafficking, in addition to the Cocaine Godmother.

Despite her criminal empire, Blanco's personal life was also turbulent, marked by several marriages and relationships, along with the challenges of raising her children amidst her criminal activities. She was arrested in 1985 and spent decades in prison before being deported to Colombia in 2004.

Griselda's Criminal Empire

Source: Getty

Griselda Blanco's rise in the drug trade is a tale of cunning strategy and ruthless ambition. After establishing herself in New York, she began expanding her operations. Starting modestly, she even purchased an underwear business to ingeniously smuggle small amounts of cocaine, using secret compartments in the garments. Her direct connection to Colombia was a crucial advantage over competitors. By the mid-1970s, she had scaled up significantly, with pilots flying in large quantities of cocaine, earning her millions of dollars monthly, as reported by Maxim.

Her first significant brush with law enforcement occurred in the mid-1970s. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), in an operation named Operation Banshee, indicted Griselda and 30 of her associates on drug charges in 1975. While many of her colleagues were tried and convicted, being described as "the biggest Colombian narcotics organization ever uncovered" by the New York Times, Griselda managed to flee to Colombia, narrowly escaping capture.

Despite the DEA's persistent efforts to track her down or coerce her into turning against the cartels, she remained elusive. She later returned to the United States, this time choosing Miami as her new stronghold.

As Griselda's power in the cocaine trade escalated, so did her notoriety for violence. She became infamous for the ruthless elimination of her enemies, with reports of efficient and brutal executions. This violent streak even extended to her personal life, with two of her husbands reportedly meeting violent ends due to conflicts with her. Her brutal methods of dealing with adversaries and her dominance in the drug trade earned her menacing nicknames like the Black Widow and the Cocaine Godmother.

The DEA, led by agent Bob Palombo, relentlessly pursued Griselda for years. However, her ability to disguise herself and maintain a tight grip on her operations made it exceedingly difficult for law enforcement to apprehend her.

What Happened To Griselda?

Source: Getty

Blanco's life ended in 2012 when she was assassinated in Medellín, which many see as a violent conclusion to a life defined by brutality. Her legacy, however, continues to fascinate and horrify, reflected in the continued interest in her story through films, documentaries, and now, the Netflix miniseries "Griselda." This series aims to delve into the complexities of Blanco's life, blending historical facts with dramatized narrative to explore the depths of one of the most infamous figures in the history of drug trafficking.

What Is Griselda About?

Source: Netflix

In the Netflix series "Griselda," Sofia Vergara takes on her most intense role yet. The show tells the story of Griselda Blanco, a.k.a. La Jefa, the Godmother. She was the mastermind behind her husband Alberto's drug biz in Medellín and New York for a decade. When she gets the shot to split for Miami with her kids, she uses her smarts to start her own drug empire.

The show paints Griselda as a tough, fierce, and charming boss of the drug world. She's got this unexpected fierce side that she uses to run the drug game while taking care of her sons.

"Griselda" is all about her tough journey. In the trailer, we see her battling it out with other big-time drug dealers, risking her neck. Meanwhile, the DEA is on a mission to shut down her super successful operation.

In one trailer scene, someone says in Spanish that Griselda doesn't strut around like she's just a girlfriend. Then, another person pops the question, "So, how does she walk?"

Release Date And Where To Watch

Griselda will be available to stream on Netflix from Thursday 25th January 2024. All six episodes will be released at once.

Griselda's Trailer

Griselda Filming Locations: Where Is Griselda Filmed?