Unraveling the Legend: The Rise and Fall of El Mencho, Jalisco New Generation Cartel Leader – A Gripping Tale of Power and Violence
The leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, was killed during a military operation in Mexico on Sunday, marking a significant moment in the ongoing battle against organized crime. The Mexican government confirmed the death of the notorious cartel figure, regarded by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as one of the “most powerful and ruthless criminal organizations” in the country.
Oseguera, 59, originally from Aguililla in the state of Michoacán, began his criminal career as a police officer before rising through the ranks of drug trafficking since the 1990s. He was a key player in the narcotics trade and became a target for U.S. authorities, who offered a bounty of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture. His criminal history included a 1994 conviction in the U.S. for conspiracy to distribute heroin, resulting in nearly three years in prison. Upon his release, Oseguera returned to Mexico and allied with drug lord Ignacio Coronel Villarreal, also known as “Nacho Coronel.” Following Coronel’s death, Oseguera, alongside Erik Valencia Salazar, founded the CJNG around 2007, initially operating under the Sinaloa Cartel before breaking away and igniting a violent turf war.
In 2022, Oseguera faced federal charges in the United States related to the manufacturing and distribution of drugs, including methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl. The CJNG, which sprang up in 2009, has grown to be one of the fastest-expanding criminal organizations in the region. Oseguera’s death has triggered chaos across Jalisco, as violent repercussions unfolded soon after the military operation.
Reports indicate that security forces conducted the operation in the town of Tapalpa, where intense firefights broke out between cartel members and government forces, resulting in the deaths of four gang affiliates. Following the confrontation, chaos ensued as cartel members torched buses and blocked roads, prompting widespread unrest. The capital city of Guadalajara turned into a ghost town, with civilians seeking shelter as police clashed with suspected cartel operatives. Videos shared on social media depicted plumes of smoke over tourist hotspots such as Puerto Vallarta, with people fleeing through airports in alarm.
In light of the escalating violence, Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta, citing security concerns, while both U.S. and Canadian governments issued alerts for their citizens in affected regions, advising them to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel. Restrictions included the cancellation of domestic and international flights at airports in Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, as well as the suspension of ride-share services.
U.S. officials urged citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols, including staying away from law enforcement operations and monitoring local media for updates. Canada’s embassy also advised its nationals in Puerto Vallarta to maintain a low profile and stay sheltered. The unrest reportedly spread beyond Jalisco, impacting neighboring states like Michoacán and Guanajuato, causing further fear and anxiety among local populations.
As authorities attempt to stabilize the situation following Oseguera’s death, the implications of this operation could have lasting effects on the power dynamics of organized crime in Mexico. The violent turmoil has underscored the dangers posed by powerful cartels and raised questions about the future of security in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, residents and officials alike remain on high alert, bracing for what might come next.
Original Source: https://www.livemint.com/news/world/who-was-el-mencho-all-you-need-to-know-about-killing-of-jalisco-new-generation-cartel-leader-in-mexico-11771805325739.html
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Publish Date: 2026-02-23 05:44:00
