Have you ever watched the movie Blow with Johnny Depp and Penélope Cruz? If you have, then you’ve already seen a version of Mirtha Jung’s life. She is best known as George Jung’s ex-wife, but her story is far more shocking than what you saw on screen. In the 1970s and 1980s, she lived fast, loved deeply, and found herself caught up in one of the biggest drug operations in the world.
In this article, we’ll take a close look at Mirtha Jung’s life. We’ll talk about her early years in Cuba, how she met George Jung, and how their love turned into a partnership in crime. We’ll also explore her struggles with addiction and her time in prison. This is the first half of her story — a story of danger, choices, and shocking twists.
Mirtha Jung Quick Bio
Full Name | Mirtha Calderon Jung |
Date of Birth | December 3, 1952 |
Age (2025) | 72 years old |
Birthplace | Cuba |
Nationality | Cuban-American |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Ex-Husband | George Jung (m.1977–1984) |
Children | 1 – Kristina Sunshine Jung |
Known For | Ex-wife of George Jung, former drug smuggler |
Current Work | Poet, writer, entrepreneur |
Net Worth | Estimated $150,000 – $1 million |
Current Status | Alive, living a private life |
Mirtha Jung’s Early Life in Cuba
Mirtha Jung was born on December 3, 1952, in Cuba. Life in Cuba at that time was not easy. Many families lived with very little, and crime was common in poor areas. Mirtha grew up in a normal but struggling home. Even though she didn’t have much, she dreamed of a better future.
As a teenager, Mirtha started working small jobs, including as a waitress. Like many young people, she wanted more excitement and opportunity than her neighborhood could offer. She began to spend time with people who were already involved in risky businesses, and slowly, her life started moving in a dangerous direction.
How Mirtha Jung Met George Jung
In her early 20s, Mirtha moved between Cuba and the United States, looking for new opportunities. It was during this time that she met George Jung, a man who would completely change her life. George was already a well-known drug smuggler connected to the powerful Medellín Cartel.
They met in Colombia through one of George’s friends. Mirtha was 24 years old. George was 34. Despite the 10-year age gap, they felt an instant connection. George was charming and confident. Mirtha was young and looking for something exciting. Their meeting felt like something from a movie — and in a way, it was, because their lives later inspired one.
A Love Story Full of Risk and Adventure
Mirtha and George didn’t just date. They dove into a world of adventure together. They traveled, partied, and lived like they had no limits. In 1977, they decided to get married. People saw them as a glamorous couple, but behind the scenes, their lives were tied to crime.
On August 1, 1978, Mirtha gave birth to their daughter, Kristina Sunshine Jung. For a while, they tried to balance family life with their smuggling business. They lived in luxury, moving money and drugs between countries. But living in danger every day started to take a toll on both of them.
Mirtha Jung’s Role in the Drug Business
Many people think of Mirtha as only George Jung’s ex-wife, but she was also his partner in crime. She was not just watching from the sidelines. She was helping smuggle cocaine from Colombia to the United States during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Mirtha played an active role in the operation. She helped move large amounts of drugs, managed important contacts, and faced the same dangers George did. This was not a small job. The Medellín Cartel was one of the most feared criminal groups in the world. Being part of it meant living with constant risk — arrest, betrayal, or worse.
Living the High Life
For a time, Mirtha and George lived a life that most people only dream of. They had more money than they could spend. They stayed in beautiful homes, wore expensive clothes, and traveled to exotic places. It looked glamorous from the outside.
But inside, it was a life full of stress and fear. Every phone call could bring bad news. Every trip could end in arrest. Can you imagine having everything you ever wanted but never feeling safe? That was the life Mirtha and George were living. Deep down, they knew it couldn’t last forever.
Mirtha Jung’s Battle With Addiction
Living in the middle of the drug world had another cost — addiction. Mirtha started using cocaine heavily. What began as fun turned into a serious problem. Even during her pregnancy, she struggled to stop. Doctors warned her about the risks to her baby, but addiction had already taken hold of her life.
This part of her story is one of the most shocking. The very drugs that made her rich were now hurting her and her family. It showed how dangerous and powerful addiction can be, even for someone who seems to have it all.
Mirtha Jung Gets Caught and Sent to Prison
As expected, a life of crime eventually catches up with you. For Mirtha Jung, that moment came when she was arrested for her role in drug smuggling. After years of helping George Jung and the Medellín Cartel, the law finally closed in on her.
She was sentenced to around three years in prison. This was a big turning point in her life. Behind bars, Mirtha had time to think, reflect, and face her reality. It wasn’t just about losing her freedom — it was also about realizing how much her choices had affected her daughter and herself.
In jail, Mirtha made a very important decision. She didn’t want this life anymore. She wanted to get clean, stay away from crime, and become a better mother. That promise would change everything for her.
Her Divorce from George Jung
After getting out of prison in 1981, Mirtha tried to live differently. But George Jung was still deep in the drug world. He had enemies, legal problems, and no plans to slow down.
Mirtha had to make a hard choice. In 1984, she filed for divorce. She still cared about George, but she knew staying with him would drag her back into a dangerous life. She chose her daughter over crime, and that took real courage.
Many people think of Mirtha Jung only as George Jung’s ex-wife, but this was the moment she became her own person. She broke away from the past and started fresh.
A New Life After Crime
After the divorce, Mirtha focused on staying clean. She completely left the drug world behind. She started writing poetry and working on small business ideas. Some reports say she became a quiet entrepreneur and creative writer, though she never sought fame or attention.
More than anything, she worked hard to be a good mother to Kristina Sunshine Jung. Kristina had been raised mostly by her grandfather while Mirtha was in jail. Rebuilding that bond was not easy, but it became Mirtha’s top priority.
Even though Mirtha’s life had been wild, she slowly found peace. She didn’t need money, power, or fame — she just wanted to be free and clean.
Where Is Mirtha Jung Now?
As of 2025, Mirtha Jung is still alive and living a very private life. She doesn’t appear on social media or do interviews. Most people don’t know where she lives, and she likes it that way.
She is now in her early 70s and said to be focusing on calm, peaceful living. Her past is behind her. She doesn’t look for fame or try to explain herself in public. Instead, she chooses to stay quiet, take care of herself, and be close to her family.
Even though she was once part of one of the most dangerous drug rings in history, today Mirtha Jung lives far away from crime, drama, and danger.
Her Daughter Kristina Sunshine Jung
One of the brightest parts of Mirtha’s life is her daughter, Kristina Sunshine Jung. Kristina was born in 1978 and had a tough childhood. Her parents were both in jail, and she was raised by her grandparents.
But Kristina grew up strong. As of 2025, she is a businesswoman, motivational speaker, and actress. She also runs a clothing brand called BG Apparel and Merchandise, which honors her family’s history.
Kristina has talked about her journey and the pain of growing up without her parents. But she also speaks about forgiveness, healing, and growth. It’s clear that Mirtha’s decision to change helped Kristina build a better future for herself.
Mirtha Jung in the Movie Blow
If you’ve seen the 2001 movie Blow, you’ve already seen a version of Mirtha Jung’s life. In the film, she was played by actress Penélope Cruz, while Johnny Depp played George Jung.
The movie shows how the couple got involved in smuggling drugs, built a life of luxury, and then lost everything. While some details were changed for drama, the story is based on real events.
After watching the film, many people wanted to know more about the real Mirtha Jung. Her story was even more complex and emotional than what was shown on screen.
Final Thoughts
Mirtha Jung’s story is not just about crime, drugs, or being George Jung’s ex-wife. It’s about what happens when someone is given a second chance — and chooses to take it.
She was once part of a huge drug empire, living fast and dangerously. But after losing her freedom, she found the strength to change. She got clean, left crime behind, and focused on being a better mother and person.
Today, Mirtha Jung is a reminder that even in the darkest times, it’s possible to turn your life around. Her journey is shocking, powerful, and inspiring — and it shows that real change is always possible.