Mirtha Jung: The Untold Story of Love, Crime, and Redemption of George Jung’s Wife

Mirtha Jung, once at the center of one of the world’s most infamous drug trafficking operations, remains an interesting figure even years after she left the spotlight. Infamously known as the ex-wife of George Jung, the notorious drug trafficker who was linked to the Medellín Cartel, Mirtha lived a life that was dangerous, lavish, and tragic. Her history of being involved in drug trafficking, drug addiction, and subsequent redemption was immortalized in the 2001 biographical crime film Blow, in which Penélope Cruz acted out her.

Although Mirtha Jung kept a low profile after her stint in the drug trade, her life still sparks public curiosity. Who was she before she met George Jung? What led her into such a dangerous lifestyle? And most importantly, what happened to her when she parted company with the one they called “Boston George”? This article discusses Mirtha’s background, her tumultuous relationship with George Jung, and where she stands today.

Quick Bio

Who is Mirtha Jung?

Mirtha Jung, formerly Mirtha Calderon, is a Cuban-American woman who gained international fame for being associated with George Jung and the Medellín Cartel. She was engaged in one of the biggest 1970s and early 1980s drug smuggling operations that supplied the massive flow of cocaine into America. While her past is criminal, it isn’t just about crime, but also about rehabilitation.

Unlike George Jung, who in later stages of his life hungered for attention, Mirtha has remained fairly reserved. While everything that is known about her comes from Blow, her real experiences are even more devastating. She was deeply ingrained in the world of drugs as a teenager but, after serving time in jail, managed to change her ways, abandoning her previous life and focusing on the rehabilitation of herself as an individual.

Early Life

Mirtha Calderon was born on December 3, 1952, in Cuba. Little is known about her early life because she has never publicly spoken about details of her childhood or family life. It is, however, believed that she came from a modest background before moving to the United States, where she would later become part of the fast-paced world of drug trafficking.

Mirtha was introduced to the lavish lifestyle of the cocaine trade in her early 20s when she met George Jung. Their romance was a maelstrom of passion, peril, and criminality. She was deep into drug use then, which weighed heavily in her descent into the realm of illicit commerce. While the majority saw only the glory and wealth entailed in the drug trade, Mirtha came to realize soon enough the humongous price one had to pay for such a life.

Career Beginnings

Mirtha Jung’s “career” itself was a direct relation to her connection to the Medellín Cartel, which was among the most significant drug-trafficking syndicates in history. Since she was involved with George Jung, she was also in the trade of smuggling bulk quantities of cocaine from Colombia to the United States. She played an active role in the operation, helping in drug transport and handling the finances of their operations.

In their heyday, George and Mirtha lived an existence of unparalleled success, indulging in the luxury of their own criminal pursuits. Their existence, however, was always on the verge of destruction by law authorities, brutality, and betrayal. Their criminal dynasty finally fell when they were both arrested. Mirtha, who had an addiction to drugs, was put behind bars. It was behind bars that she finally decided to reform her life.

Who Is the Mirtha Jung’s Ex-Husband?

George Jung, also known as “Boston George,” was possibly one of the most influential drug traffickers America has ever seen. As one of the key players of the Medellín Cartel, he played his part in smuggling huge quantities of cocaine to America. Being a partner of Pablo Escobar and other leading players of the cartels, he became one of the most notorious drug dealers of his time.

While their love was fiery and passionate, it was toxic. George and Mirtha’s union was founded on drug abuse and criminality. Despite having a daughter, Kristina Sunshine Jung, their love life was futile due to their dangerous lifestyle. When Mirtha was released from prison, she chose to keep herself distant from George and their previous life, choosing her daughter’s happiness at the expense of their relationship.

Mirtha Jung’s Physical Appearance

While little information is available on Mirtha Jung’s physical look in detail, she is traditionally presented as a beautiful woman of Cuban descent with dark hair and an imposing presence. As a young woman, she had the confidence and defiantness that made her a dynamic personality among people doing drugs.

Penélope Cruz’s portrayal in Blow contributed to the public perception of Mirtha as a hot-headed and passionate woman caught between love and crime. Real-life Mirtha has stayed low-key for decades, however, so it is difficult to know anything about her appearance or way of life nowadays.

Net Worth

During her period with George Jung, Mirtha lived in luxury from the enormous amount of money they accumulated through their drug smuggling operations. George was at his peak earning millions of dollars per shipment, during the height of their success. However, the money did not last because it was later cut short by legal issues and prison time that saw them lose financially.

Mirtha Jung’s net worth is now estimated at $150,000. Having given up crime life, she has no notable sources of income. Unlike George, who attempted to make a living out of his criminal activities by selling interviews and writing books, Mirtha has not been making public appearances, enjoying a quieter existence.

Social Media

Unlike most former criminals who try to reappear in the limelight through social media, Mirtha Jung chose to keep a low profile. She does not officially feature on such social platforms as Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook. The non-appearance has also increased curiosity regarding where she is and what her life is like today.

There have been a few fan sites and imposter accounts in her name, but they are not officially endorsed by her. Steering clear of social media indicates that she wants to leave the past behind and focus on her personal life without being under public scrutiny.

Future Prospects and Vision

Ever since her release from prison, Mirtha Jung has maintained a pretty low-key and quiet life. While George Jung continued to bask in the fame of his younger years, Mirtha took a different path and concentrated on her life as a mother and stayed out of the drug trade. Her daughter Kristina Sunshine Jung has spoken out about her rough childhood but remains close to her mother.

Although there are no known public activities of Mirtha at present, it is clear that she chose to live a crime-free life. Her life is a testament to the consequences of committing criminal acts, as well as a testament to redemption and transformation.