Feb 22 • 20:02 UTC 🇪🇨 Ecuador El Universo (ES)

Who was alias 'El Mencho', one of the most wanted drug lords in the world

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', was a notorious Mexican drug lord who was killed in a federal operation in Jalisco.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly known as 'El Mencho', was a significant figure in the world of organized crime, recognized as one of the most powerful drug traffickers globally. Originally hailing from a rural community in Michoacán, Mexico, he rose through the ranks of drug trafficking beginning in the 1990s and became a central figure in the formation of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) in the early 2010s. His operations successfully expanded, controlling a vast expanse of Mexico and establishing key international drug trafficking routes for methamphetamines and fentanyl.

El Mencho's criminal career began when he migrated to the United States in his youth, where he was arrested for drug-related crimes before being deported back to Mexico. Upon his return, he quickly involved himself with narcotics trafficking networks previously associated with the Millennium Cartel. Following the disbandment of that group, he demonstrated strategic leadership skills that enabled him to consolidate power within the CJNG, transforming it into one of the most formidable drug trafficking organizations in the country. The cartel's notoriety stems from its aggressive tactics and extensive influence, making it a significant adversary to law enforcement efforts.

The recent death of El Mencho in a federal operation highlights ongoing challenges faced by Mexican authorities in combatting drug-related violence and trafficking. His demise could lead to potential shifts in cartel dynamics and possibly trigger power struggles among rival factions seeking to fill the void he left. This significant event underscores the pervasive impact of drug trafficking on Mexico's security landscape and the urgent need for effective law enforcement strategies to address these entrenched criminal networks.

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