Who is Mirtha Jung? The Ex-Wife of Infamous Drug Smuggler George Jung
Mirtha Jung, a name forever linked to one of the most infamous drug cartels in history, is not just a character from the movie Blow. She is a woman whose life tells a powerful story of transformation, survival, and the pursuit of peace after years of chaos. Born Mirtha Calderon on December 3, 1952, in Cuba, Mirtha’s life was far from ordinary. Her journey intertwined with that of George Jung, a notorious drug smuggler who worked with the Medellín Cartel, shaping much of her earlier years in a world of crime, drugs, and dangerous escapades. Despite this tumultuous past, Mirtha Jung’s story is also about change, the resilience to start anew, and the courage to leave behind a life of destruction.
As a young woman, Mirtha grew up in difficult circumstances in Cuba, and from an early age, she had to confront the harsh realities of life. Although she faced poverty and personal struggles, Mirtha’s involvement in the drug trade began much earlier than her marriage to George Jung. By the time she met him, she was already no stranger to the world of drugs and crime, which ultimately led her into the arms of a man who would forever change her life.
In this article, we will delve into Mirtha Jung’s life, exploring the events that led her down a perilous path, her role in the Medellín Cartel, the pivotal moments that helped her choose a different future, and what she is doing today.
Mirtha Jung’s Biography Table
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Mirtha Calderon Jung |
| Date of Birth | December 3, 1952 |
| Age (as of 2026) | 72 years old |
| Place of Birth | Cuba |
| Nationality | Cuban-American |
| Zodiac Sign | Sagittarius |
| Marital Status | Divorced |
| Ex-Husband | George Jung (married 1977–div. 1984) |
| Children | 1 (Kristina Sunshine Jung) |
| Known For | Ex-wife of George Jung, Blow film |
| Past Role | Member of the Medellín Cartel |
| Current Role | Poet, Writer, Entrepreneur |
| Time in Prison | 3 years (early 1980s) |
| Net Worth (Estimated) | $150,000 – $1 million |
Early Life and Meeting George Jung
Mirtha Calderon was born into a life marked by financial hardship in Cuba. As a young girl, she was exposed to difficult circumstances that left her with limited opportunities. Her youth was spent balancing school and working as a waitress to make ends meet. Some reports suggest that she began using drugs during her teenage years, setting the stage for the dangerous lifestyle that would come to define her adult life.
In the mid-1970s, Mirtha met George Jung at a wedding in Colombia. George, about 10 years older than her, was already involved in the Medellín Cartel, a group notorious for trafficking massive quantities of cocaine into the United States. Despite being engaged to another man at the time, Mirtha felt a strong connection to George, and within a short period, they began living together. They married in 1977.
Life with George Jung: Crime and Consequences
Following their marriage, Mirtha became an integral part of George’s operation within the Medellín Cartel. Together, they smuggled large amounts of cocaine into the U.S., making millions of dollars. However, their wealth came at a tremendous cost. Alongside the vast sums of money, the couple was immersed in a dangerous world of drug abuse and criminal activity. Mirtha herself became addicted to cocaine, a habit that would affect her for many years.
Despite their criminal empire, Mirtha’s personal life was fraught with challenges. In 1978, she gave birth to a daughter, Kristina Sunshine Jung, but even during her pregnancy, Mirtha struggled with drug addiction, which severely impacted her ability to care for her child.
Arrest, Prison, and a New Beginning
In the early 1980s, Mirtha was arrested for drug-related charges and spent three years in prison. This period of incarceration proved to be a turning point for her. While behind bars, Mirtha had the opportunity to reflect on her life choices. During this time, she made the decision to leave the world of drugs and crime behind. She was released from prison in 1981, determined to rebuild her life and distance herself from the toxic environment she had once been a part of.
Mirtha’s decision to leave George was another crucial step in her transformation. In 1984, after seven years of marriage, she divorced him. George continued his involvement in the drug trade, but Mirtha chose to pursue a quieter, more peaceful life for herself and her daughter.
Moving Forward: A Life of Writing and Reflection
After her release from prison, Mirtha focused on staying clean and rebuilding her life. She turned to writing and poetry as outlets for her emotions and experiences. Though she was no longer a part of the drug trade, the scars from her past were still visible. Mirtha worked diligently to stay away from the temptations of her previous lifestyle, eventually finding a sense of peace in her creative endeavors.
Her relationship with her daughter, Kristina, was strained during the years following their tumultuous time together. Kristina was raised by her grandfather during much of her childhood due to her parents’ legal troubles. However, as time passed, Mirtha worked to rebuild their bond and now maintains a more private relationship with Kristina.
The Movie Blow and Public Attention
Mirtha’s life gained widespread attention in 2001 when the film Blow was released. The movie, based on the life of George Jung, portrayed Mirtha’s role in the drug world and her relationship with George. In the film, actress Penélope Cruz played Mirtha. Although Mirtha later commented that not every detail of the film was accurate, the movie helped bring her story to the public eye.
Following the release of Blow, Mirtha briefly stepped into the limelight, participating in an interview in Texas. However, she quickly retreated from public attention and has since maintained a low profile, far removed from the media’s gaze.
Life Today: A Quiet Existence
As of 2026, Mirtha Jung is 72 years old and lives a quiet life away from the public eye. She is believed to be residing in the United States, although her exact location remains private. Mirtha has chosen to live in peace, distancing herself from the chaos of her past. She is said to continue writing, although it’s unclear if she still engages in small business ventures.
While her past is marked by fame, crime, and tragedy, Mirtha’s story now serves as an example of redemption. She chose to leave her dangerous lifestyle behind and focus on her personal growth, health, and family. Her decision to change, despite the challenges she faced, is an inspiration to others who may be caught in similarly destructive cycles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How old is Mirtha Jung now?
Mirtha Jung was born on December 3, 1952. As of 2026, she is 72 years old and leads a quiet life in the United States.
Did Mirtha Jung really go to prison?
Yes, Mirtha Jung was arrested in the early 1980s for drug-related offenses and spent three years in prison. It was during this time that she decided to leave her criminal lifestyle behind.
Is Mirtha Jung still alive today?
Yes, Mirtha Jung is still alive and continues to live a private life. She has distanced herself from the public eye and maintains a low-profile existence.
Did Mirtha Jung remarry after George Jung?
There are no public records indicating that Mirtha Jung remarried after her divorce from George in 1984. She has kept her personal life private since then.
What is Mirtha Jung’s net worth now?
Mirtha Jung’s net worth is estimated to be between $150,000 and $1 million, mainly from her writing, interviews, and potential royalties from the movie Blow.
