Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed on Sunday during a military operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, according to official sources.
The Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) reported that Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” was seriously injured in the clash that occurred in the municipality of Tapalpa. He reportedly died while being transported to Mexico City for medical treatment.
But who was El Mencho, the man who had risen to become Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficker following the capture of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán?
Keep reading: Mexican Army Confirms “El Mencho” Killed in Jalisco Operation
El Mencho’s Early Life
Born on July 17, 1966, in the small community of Naranjo de Chila in Aguililla, Michoacán, Oseguera Cervantes’ path to becoming a global drug lord began in poverty. He left school in the sixth grade to help his family harvest avocados.
As a young man, he moved to the United States, where he and his older brother, Abraham, attempted to establish themselves as drug dealers in California. Their early ambitions were cut short in 1992 when they were arrested for selling heroin to undercover police officers. Both served time in a federal prison before being deported.
In 1997, Oseguera Cervantes spent time in Tijuana building a drug network before taking a surprising turn as a police officer in Tomatlán, Jalisco. This position provided him with invaluable insight into law enforcement operations.
“El Mencho” first gained prominence as a hitman for Armando Valencia Cornelio, “El Maradona,” aligning himself with the Milenio Cartel. This organization, led by Ignacio “Nacho” Coronel Villarreal, operated as the right hand of El Chapo.
The death of “Nacho” Coronel in 2010 and the capture of Milenio’s leader, Óscar Orlando Nava Valencia (“El Lobo”), triggered a violent power struggle in Jalisco. The Milenio Cartel fractured into two warring factions: Los Torcidos and La Resistencia.
Related: US Consulate in Tijuana Orders Staff to Shelter in Place Amid Violent Roadblocks
Birth and Expansion of CJNG
Oseguera Cervantes led the Los Torcidos faction, which, with the backing of the González Valencia brothers (a group known as Los Cuinis) ultimately prevailed and evolved into what is now the CJNG.
From its base in Jalisco, the cartel expanded its reach under “El Mencho’s” command. The organization spread its influence across Mexico, establishing a presence in key states including Mexico City, Colima, Michoacán, Guanajuato, Veracruz, and Baja California.
CJNG’s operations extended far beyond North America. Government sources indicate the cartel built a global footprint, with criminal networks in Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) had placed him as its top target, offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Source: Milenio
