Feb 23 • 16:45 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

Who was 'El Mencho', how was he killed, his links to Argentina, and what could happen next

The death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', marks the end of a powerful criminal leader in Mexico.

The demise of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as 'El Mencho', signifies the collapse of one of the world's most wanted crime leaders and the founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). For over a decade, he was pivotal in international drug trafficking, particularly in cocaine, methamphetamines, and fentanyl. Under his command, the CJNG not only expanded its territorial control but also diversified its criminal activities, increasingly adopting aggressive confrontational tactics against state forces, which has positioned them as one of the most violent and sophisticated drug trafficking organizations today.

With 'El Mencho' gone, the implications for organized crime in Mexico and beyond are significant. His death is viewed not only as a symbolic victory for authorities in Mexico and the United States, who have long pursued him, but it also creates a power vacuum that may lead to internal fragmentation and infighting within the CJNG. This instability could result in increased violence and a struggle for supremacy among potential successors, altering the dynamics of the Mexican drug trade and its reach into international markets, including potential connections to regions like Argentina.

The aftermath of 'El Mencho's' assassination raises questions about the future of both the CJNG and drug trafficking in general. Authorities are bracing for escalations in violence as rival factions jockey for control over lucrative trafficking routes. Additionally, international collaborations between drug cartels could emerge, impacting regions previously untouched by this level of organized crime. The evolving situation will require close monitoring to assess the changing landscape of drug trafficking and organized crime in Latin America.

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