**The Rise and Fall of "El Mencho": How One Man Wielded Power in Mexico's Narco-Underworld** In a major blow to Mexico's underworld, Nemesio Oseguera, the infamous leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), also known as "El Mencho," met his end after a long and brutal reign. But what made this man so feared, and how did he manage to hold on to power for so long? Born in the rugged town of Aguililla in Michoacan, a state notorious for its marijuana plantations, Oseguera's early life set the tone for his future. He migrated to the United States, where he was arrested, jailed, and eventually deported for heroin trafficking. This experience only fueled his ambition, and upon returning to Mexico, he joined the Milenio cartel before eventually breaking away to form his own group. Oseguera's rise to power was marked by violence, and he left a trail of bloodshed in his wake. He was responsible for the slaying of dozens of people, including police officers and rival cartel members. His tactics were brutal, and he showed no mercy to those who stood in his way. In 2009, he formed the Matazetas, a group notorious for its attacks on Los Zetas, a rival cartel founded by former elite soldiers. As the years went by, Oseguera's CJNG expanded its reach, becoming one of the most powerful cartels in Mexico. He maintained a vast network of hitmen, produced his own weapons, and even ventured into other business ventures, such as extortion, oil theft, and arms dealing. The US State Department designated the CJNG as a terrorist organization, citing its involvement in fentanyl trafficking, migrant exploitation, and other illicit activities. What set Oseguera apart from other cartels was his willingness to challenge the state directly. Unlike others who used violence defensively, he was proactive, launching attacks on high-profile targets, including the then-chief of the Mexico City police, Omar Garcia Harfuch. In 2020, he ordered an attack on Garcia Harfuch's home, wounding him and killing three others. Garcia Harfuch is now the country's head of public security. Oseguera's legacy is one of violence and bloodshed, but he also managed to carve a path to power through innovation. While other cartels controlled the