 In August 1983, Lara, who belonged to the New Liberalism created by him and Luis Carlos Galán, was appointed by President Belisario Betancur as Minister of Justice, replacing Bernardo Gaitán Mahecha.Lara, together with Galán, publicly denounced the drug cartels, especially in Medellín, where the cartel was led by Escobar.When Escobar was elected to the Congress, Lara denounced him, citing his connection to drug cartels.