Narcoterrorism expert Mario Medrano Montoya compared the significance of El Mencho's death to that of Pablo Escobar, asserting that the former poses an even greater danger due to his extensive transnational drug operations.
On Sunday, February 22, the Mexican Army killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," regarded as the most wanted and dangerous drug trafficker globally, and the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Following this significant event, narcoterrorism analyst Mario Medrano Montoya visited LN+ studios to assess the implications of El Mencho's death. Montoya emphasized that this situation is potentially more perilous than the era of Pablo Escobar, underscoring the catastrophic consequences of the CJNG's activities.
Montoya explained that unlike Escobar, who was primarily focused on narcotics, El Mencho has expanded his operations into various transnational crimes, including contract killings and human trafficking. This diversification of criminal activities indicates a more profound network of violence and power, which elevates the threat level of the CJNG. He noted that while Escobar's empire disrupted Colombia drastically, the international reach of El Mencho's cartel makes it relevant far beyond Mexican borders.
Despite the death of El Mencho, Montoya argues that this does not signal the end of the CJNG. The organization is likely to continue its operations due to the established structure and power dynamics within the cartel. This assessment raises concerns about ongoing violence and instability in Mexico and the broader impacts on international drug trafficking and the associated crimes, suggesting that the battle against narcoterrorism remains a critical issue for governments and societies worldwide.
