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Mexican Army Kills Jalisco New Generation Cartel Leader 'El Mencho'

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Mexican Army Kills 'El Mencho,' CJNG Leader

The Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during an operation on Sunday, according to a federal official. The operation took place in the western state of Jalisco and followed several hours of roadblocks involving burning vehicles, a tactic often employed by cartels to obstruct military actions.

The Mexican army killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), during an operation on Sunday.

Reports indicated plumes of smoke over Puerto Vallarta and a security situation that led Air Canada to suspend flights to the city.

Background on 'El Mencho' and CJNG

  • US Reward: The U.S. State Department had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to El Mencho's arrest.
  • Organization: The CJNG, founded in 2009, is one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations.
  • Designation: In February, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.
  • Tactics: CJNG is noted for aggressive attacks on the military, including using explosives from drones and installing mines. In 2020, it carried out a significant assassination attempt in Mexico City targeting the then-head of the capital's police force.
  • Drug Trafficking: The DEA assesses CJNG to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, operating in all 50 U.S. states. It is a primary supplier of cocaine to the U.S. market and generates billions from fentanyl and methamphetamine production.
  • Legal Charges: Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes faced multiple indictments in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The most recent indictment, from April 5, 2022, charged him with conspiracy and distribution of controlled substances (methamphetamine, cocaine, fentanyl) for illegal importation into the U.S., and firearm offenses related to drug trafficking. He was also charged under the Drug Kingpin Enforcement Act for directing a continuing criminal enterprise.