Mexico’s most wanted drug lord, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” was located and subsequently died following a military operation on February 22, authorities announced Monday. The death of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) comes after years of pursuit and marks a significant development in Mexico’s ongoing struggle against organized crime.
According to Mexican Secretary of Defense Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, authorities were able to pinpoint El Mencho’s location after tracking a visit from one of his romantic partners. “On February 20, through military intelligence work, a man close to one of Mencho’s partners was located, who transported her to a facility in the town of Tapalpa, Jalisco,” Trevilla Trejo explained during a press conference. “On February 21, the partner left the property, and we obtained information that El Mencho remained in that location.”
Mexican Defense Secretary Ricardo Trevilla Trejo at a press conference Photo: @GabinetedeSeguridaddeMéxico via Youtube
Trevilla Trejo stated that on February 21, El Mencho’s partner departed the property, confirming his continued presence. A subsequent operation to detain him resulted in a shootout with cartel operatives. El Mencho attempted to escape into a wooded area, where he was wounded before being transported by helicopter toward Mexico City, but died en route.
El Mencho, the founder and leader of the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG), had been a high-priority target for both Mexican and U.S. Authorities. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) added him to its most wanted list in 2020, offering a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
The operation’s aftermath was marked by widespread violence across Mexico, including road blockades, school closures, and flight cancellations. The unrest underscores the CJNG’s capacity to disrupt public life even after the loss of its leader.
According to Mexico’s Secretary of Security Omar Garcia Harfuch, at least 25 members of the National Guard were killed by the CJNG during the operation on February 22. Harfuch added that one prison guard, one member of the state prosecutor’s office, and 30 members of the criminal organization also died.
The death toll rose to 73 by late Monday, according to authorities, who did not provide further details. The development underscores the escalating violence and challenges facing Mexico as it confronts powerful drug cartels.
