drug lord

American  

[druhg lawrd] / ˈdrʌg ˌlɔrd /

noun

1. the head of an organization or network involved in illegal drug trafficking.

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Etymology

Origin of drug lord

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

President Claudia Sheinbaum unveiled the country's security plan less than two weeks after an explosion of violence in Guadalajara, and other parts of the country, triggered by the death of a notorious drug lord.

From Barron's • Mar. 6, 2026

It added that "complementary information" provided by the US had helped seize the drug lord but Mexico confirmed on Monday that no US forces were involved in his killing, according to the AFP news agency.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2026

Karla Sofía Gascón — who plays the titular macho drug lord turned vivacious woman — is the first openly trans person nominated in any Oscar acting category.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 23, 2025

Suárez was also in charge of the Metastasis case involving an Ecuadorian drug lord who allegedly received favorable treatment from judges, prosecutors, police officers and high officials.

From Seattle Times • Jan. 17, 2024

Animal sanctuary facilities in India and Mexico have agreed to take in 70 invasive African hippopotamuses that descend from those once owned by Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar.

From Washington Times • Mar. 2, 2023