George Jung released: Cocaine smuggler played by Johnny Depp in Blow is freed from prison
After nearly two decades, Jung is released from US prison
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.George Jung – the cocaine smuggler portrayed by Johnny Depp in Blow – has been released from prison, after nearly two decades.
The 71-year-old left FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey yesterday 2 June. He was due to be freed in November, but was released early.
TMZ reports that he will allegedly live in a West Coast half-way house until he adjusts to society. He was arrested in 1994 with 1,754 pounds of cocaine in Kansas and pleaded guilty to three counts of conspiracy before being sentenced to 70 years in prison.
His sentence was cut by nearly 20 years after he testified against his ex-partner Carlos Lehder.
Jung started drugs-smuggling during the Sixties when he began smuggling cannabis bought in California back to New England. His operation expanded until he was eventually arrested in 1974 when he was arrested in Chicago for smuggling 660 pounds of marijuana.
Jung was sentenced to prison in Danbury, Connecticut, where he made his first connections in cocaine trafficking. His cellmate was Carlos Ledher, who introduced him to an organised network of drug suppliers and smugglers called Medellín Cartel.
After they left prison, Ledher and Jong went into business and earned millions through drug-smuggling. He is said to have been responsible for 85 per cent of cocaine imported into the US during the Seventies and Eighties.
During his latest incarceration, he met Johnny Depp – who played him in the 2001 film Blow.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments