Latin American drug trade

Bill could put an end to Escobar souvenirs

Souvenir sellers in Colombia may be banned from selling clothing and items depicting notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar. According to a new bill, such sales should result in fines equivalent to around SEK 1,800.

Politician Cristian Avendaño, who represents the Green Alliance party behind the proposal, believes that crime victims should not have to see the cartel leader's face. He opposes the glorification of Escobar's life.

- We must protect the victims' right to heal and find other symbols for our country.

Escobar ordered upwards of 4,000 murders before his death in 1993.

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Sellers saw politicians: "Tourists want Escobar"

Street vendors in the Colombian metropolis of Medellín are worried about the proposal to ban the sale of souvenirs that glorify drug kingpin Pablo Escobar.

Rafael Nieto, who in addition to usual souvenirs sells shirts with Escobar prints, tells AP that the bill is "stupid" and that congressional politicians should instead focus on fighting crime.

The sellers need money and it is clear what the tourists want, he says.

- The Mexicans, the Costa Ricans, the Americans. Everyone is always asking for Escobar merchandise.