Pablo Escobar's former mansion on La Isla Grande, off the coast of Colombia.

They say crime doesn't pay, but for Pablo Escobar, life as one of the world's biggest drug dealers saw him amass an impressive property portfolio.

Infamously known as the King of Cocaine, Escobar was reportedly responsible for 80 per cent of the world's cocaine during his time as the head of the Medellin drug cartel.

Hacienda Napoles was the drug lord's extravagant estate in Colombia, which, along with a large house, included a zoo with hippos, rhinos and giraffes, an airport and even a replica dinosaur park.

After his death in 1993 the government took control of the property, turning it into a theme park.

But another of Escobar's properties has been left to deteriorate.

Hidden away off the coast of Cartagena in Colombia, on a small island called La Isla Grande, is another of Escobar's monumental homes.

With more than 300 rooms spread across a mansion and multiple beachside dwellings, the property was a playboy's palace.

At the centre of the complex is a giant swimming pool surrounded by palm trees, with views over the Caribbean Sea.

Today it lies empty, used only as a drying area for the clothes of the squatters who have moved in.

The home also had a helicopter pad, where Escobar could land one of his six choppers.

Even the shower heads were exuberant – plated in gold. But what does one expect from a man whose wealth was valued at more than US$30 billion.

Now the white concrete buildings lie empty, the pastel-hued walls cracking and the garden growing wild.

The island has no running water or electricity and is difficult to access unless you have a speedboat; perfect for someone who makes their billions off clandestine activities.

Of course when in residence Pablo had armed guards in position, ready to greet any unwelcome visitors.

Urban explorer Luke Spencer visited the island, where he inspected and photographed the abandoned home.

"Escobar's playground resembled a strip from Miami's South Beach in its 1980s heyday," writes Spencer.

Until the Colombian government decides what to do with Escobar's second estate, it lies abandoned but for the squatters and wild pigs which have claimed it as their home.

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