Mexican Army Neutralises El Mencho, Leader of Jalisco New Generation Cartel in Jalisco Operation

The Mexican army has successfully killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during a military operation in Jalisco. This significant event follows heightened security measures and impacts regional stability.

The Mexican army has reportedly killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. This operation took place on Sunday in the western state of Jalisco, according to a federal official who spoke anonymously. The operation was marked by several hours of roadblocks and burning vehicles, tactics often used by cartels to hinder military actions.

Videos shared on social media depicted smoke rising over Puerto Vallarta, a significant city in Jalisco. Panic ensued at the state's capital airport. In response to the security situation, Air Canada suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta on Sunday afternoon and advised customers against heading to the airport.

Jalisco New Generation Cartel's Influence

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is one of Mexico's most influential and rapidly expanding criminal organisations. Established in 2009, it has been recognised for its aggressive tactics against military forces, including attacks on helicopters and using drones to launch explosives. The cartel has also been involved in planting mines.

In February, the Trump administration classified CJNG as a foreign terrorist organisation. The cartel's notoriety increased in 2020 when it attempted a high-profile assassination using grenades and high-powered rifles against Mexico City's police chief, who now heads federal security.

US Involvement and Legal Actions

The US State Department had offered a reward of up to USD 15 million for information leading to El Mencho's arrest. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers CJNG as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, another notorious criminal group in Mexico. CJNG operates across all 50 US states, distributing large quantities of drugs.

Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has faced multiple indictments in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia. The latest indictment on April 5, 2022, charges him with conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl for illegal importation into the US. He is also accused under the Drug Kingpin Enforcement Act for leading a continuous criminal enterprise.

Impact on Drug Trade

CJNG is a major supplier of cocaine to the US market and generates billions from producing fentanyl and methamphetamines. Its influence rivals that of the Sinaloa cartel, which is infamous for its extensive drug trafficking operations.

The recent military operation highlights ongoing efforts to combat powerful drug cartels in Mexico. While El Mencho's death marks a significant development, it remains uncertain how this will affect CJNG's operations or its impact on drug trafficking activities in Mexico and beyond.

With inputs from PTI