Who was El Mencho? What drug lord’s killing means for Mexico
World • Feb 23
**The Fall of El Mencho: What Does it Mean for Nigeria's Neighbour, Mexico?**
In a dramatic turn of events, Mexican forces, backed by the United States, have successfully tracked down and eliminated Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, a notorious 59-year-old drug lord also known as "El Mencho". His death has sparked a wave of violence across 20 Mexican states, with armed men setting ablaze vehicles and erecting roadblocks.
**Who Was El Mencho?**
As the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), El Mencho was a force to be reckoned with in Mexico's underworld. He rose to prominence in the 1990s, after a stint as a convicted heroin trafficker in the US. His ascent to power was marked by ruthless tactics, including sending severed body parts to intimidate adversaries and orchestrating brazen attacks on security forces.
**The Jalisco New Generation Cartel: A Growing Threat**
Under El Mencho's leadership, the CJNG expanded its reach, diversifying its income streams through fuel theft, extortion, and other illicit activities. The cartel's influence stretched across Mexico, with a presence in 21 of its 32 states. It became notorious for its sophisticated tactics, including the use of submarines to transport drugs from South America to the US. The CJNG's notoriety has earned it a spot alongside the Sinaloa Cartel as a primary suspect in fentanyl trafficking to the US.
**What Does El Mencho's Death Mean for Mexico and Beyond?**
El Mencho's killing is seen as a significant blow to the CJNG, but it's unclear whether it will lead to a decrease in violence or a power vacuum. His death has already sparked a wave of violence across Mexico, with his loyalists seeking to avenge his demise. The impact on Nigeria, a country with a growing concern about the spread of transnational organized crime, remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: El Mencho's death marks a significant milestone in the ongoing struggle against organized crime in Mexico and beyond.