From Streetwise Pickpocket to Infamous Cartel Explosives Expert The Unseen Life of Benjamine Valderama

Hailing from the streets of Bogotá, Benjamine Valderama's life is a gripping tale of survival, crime, and the allure of destruction. Growing up in poverty, he quickly grasped that his environment required a strong will and cleverness. By the age of ten, he became an adept pickpocket, using his skills to provide for his family. However, it was his obsession with explosives that would ultimately shape his chaotic journey.

Benjamine's childhood was filled with a fascination for fire and risk. He first dabbled in creating fireworks, impressing friends and family with dazzling displays. This early interest connected with his love for Colombian samba rhythms. The booming beats from his drums mirrored the explosive nature of his personality. His talent for drumming provided an outlet, enabling him to express himself loudly against a backdrop of life's adversities.

A Father's Disapproval and a New Path

Despite his father's hopes for a different future, Benjamine, urged by his father—a skilled musician—joined the Colombian military in 1975 as an explosives expert. He sought to redirect his passion for pyrotechnics into a regulated setting. This journey, however, was cut short. A psychedelic experience led to his discharge, casting him into uncertainty.

Soon, Benjamine caught the attention of Don Alfonso Federico Sainto’s cartel contacts. The thrill of power and the promise of easy money captivated him. He became essential to the cartel's operations, quickly gaining notoriety for planting car bombs and improvised explosive devices (IEDs) against rival factions. It is estimated that his methods contributed to over 100 targeted eliminations of cartel adversaries, marking him as a lethal figure in the drug trade.

The Glamorous Yet Dangerous Life of a Cartel Member

As Benjamine climbed the cartel hierarchy, he became infamous as a charismatic ladies' man in Medellín's vibrant nightlife. His indulgent lifestyle thrived on cocaine and the company of numerous women, encapsulating the hedonistic spirit of the drug trade. Nights were filled with rich laughter, catchy tunes, and an omnipresent danger stemming from life in this notorious underworld.

His reputation as an explosives expert paralleled his charm, as both drew in those around him. He embraced life on the brink, dancing to a rhythm uniquely his own, while dodging threats from rival groups. Contrary to the glamorous façade was the grim reality—rival factions were always seeking retribution against those who wronged them.

A Tragic End and Conspiracy Theories

Benjamine's fate met a tragic conclusion when an assassination attempt targeted the US Ambassador to Colombia. One of his own car bombs detonated, claiming the lives of both him and his partner, Alfonso. Whispers of foul play echoed among those close to him. Many speculated that Benjamine and Alfonso intended to exit the cartel after their latest job and that renowned figure Griselda Blanco learned of their plans, leading to their demise.

The explosion's aftermath was profound. Benjamine's helmet was discovered three miles away, symbolizing the violent life he led. His passing marked the end of a paradoxical character—a master of destruction who once brought joy through music and celebration.

The Return from the Underworld

In a compelling twist, Benjamine Valderama is now said to return, summoned back from the depths of hell by El Diablo himself. His mission? To share his explosive stories through the aggressive medium of death metal. The rhythms that once reverberated through the Medellín clubs now merge with haunting tales from his tumultuous past, fusing music and chaos into an impactful experience.

His journey serves as a sobering reminder of choices made in the name of survival and the consequences encountered. Benjamine's tale illustrates the dangerous allure of power and begs reflection on how easily one can cross from passion into destruction.

Benjamine Valderama - the last known photo of him - June 1986

Final Reflections

The life of Benjamine Valderama presents a complex narrative interwoven with resilience and consequences. Transitioning from a streetwise pickpocket to a lethal explosives expert, his story mirrors the struggles many face in Colombia. It is not solely a chronicle of violence but also a testament to the power of human expression through music.

Reflecting on Benjamine's life, we recognize the importance of each choice we make. Although his explosive beats now echo darkly, they remind us of Colombia’s vibrant culture and indomitable spirit. Ultimately, Benjamine Valderama's legacy remains a mix of tragedy and resilience, a story that resonates deeply with those willing to listen.