'I hunted El Chapo, heard the gunfire and learned one cartel death changes nothing'
The article discusses the implications of the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, a notorious drug lord known as El Mencho, highlighting that his demise does not necessarily alter the ongoing drug war in Mexico.
The article recounts the author's experiences in combating the drug trade, particularly focusing on the recent killing of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, a narco-terrorist who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Despite the apparent significance of his death on July 23, which occurred after heavy gunfire in Jalisco, the author articulates their disillusionment regarding the impact such events have on the overarching cartel wars in Mexico.
El Mencho's rise from poverty to becoming one of the most powerful narcotics traffickers exemplifies a broader narrative within the drug trade where leadership changes do not equate to a resolution of deeper systemic issues. The CJNG, under El Mencho's leadership, transformed the drug trade into a more brutal and organized conflict, highlighting the sophistication and terror tactics employed by modern cartels. The pattern reveals that, while individual leaders can be taken down, the larger criminal networks remain resilient and continue operations almost seamlessly.
The aftermath of El Mencho's death illustrates this phenomenon, with immediate violence and retaliatory actions anticipated as rivals and associates scramble for power. The article stresses that the elimination of a notorious drug lord does not signify an end to cartel violence and that the cycle of retribution and leadership struggle within such organizations perpetuates the violence plaguing Mexico. As such, it prompts a deeper reflection on the effectiveness of current strategies in addressing drug-related chaos rather than simply focusing on high-profile arrests or killings.