A leading figure in Mexico’s criminal underworld, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” was killed in a military operation on Sunday, February 22, 2026. The death of the head of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (JNG) marks a significant development in Mexico’s ongoing struggle against drug trafficking and organized crime, with potential ripple effects across Latin America and the United States.
The JNG, formed by a former police officer in 2011, has rapidly grown to become one of the most powerful and violent criminal organizations in Mexico. The cartel has gained notoriety for its aggressive tactics, including attacks on government forces utilizing helicopters, drones, and landmines.
Following the operation, unrest has been reported in several areas, and the Mexican president has called for calm. Videos circulating on social media show smoke rising over the city of Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, with reports suggesting supporters of the cartel may have retaliated by setting vehicles and businesses ablaze. Images also depict panic at the airport in the state capital.
The United States provided intelligence that led to the cartel leader’s death, according to a statement from the Mexican embassy in Washington D.C. U.S. Vice-Consul Christopher Landau described the killing as a major development for Mexico, the U.S., Latin America, and the world, while also expressing concern over the ensuing unrest, Reuters reported.
The JNG is a major supplier of cocaine to the American market and, like the Sinaloa Cartel – which has a presence in all 50 U.S. States – generates billions of dollars through the production of fentanyl and methamphetamine. Oseguera Cervantes had been involved in drug trafficking since the 1990s and was previously convicted of heroin trafficking in California in 1994.
Uro flere steder
Several American and Canadian airlines have suspended flights to the region, and citizens of both countries have been advised to remain indoors.
Busser ble tent på og blokkerte motorveier
Video: Reuters
The Norwegian embassy in Mexico City is monitoring the situation and investigating whether any Norwegian citizens have been affected, according to press spokesperson Ane Jørem, who spoke with Dagbladet.
“Norwegian citizens in the area are encouraged to monitor local media and follow the advice of local authorities,” she told the newspaper.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considers the JNG to be as powerful as the more well-known Sinaloa Cartel, which currently maintains a presence in all 50 U.S. States.
I verdens største narkotikaindustri brukes brutale metoder. Hver dag drepes 80 mennesker.
Tjener milliarder
JNG is one of the main suppliers of cocaine to the U.S. Market.
Like the Sinaloa Cartel, they generate billions of dollars from the production of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Oseguera Cervantes had been heavily involved in drug trafficking since the 1990s. He was sentenced to three years in prison in California in 1994 for heroin trafficking and returned to Mexico after his release.
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