The recent capture of ‘El Mencho,’ the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), uncovered a powerful arsenal protected by the cartel, which includes high-caliber weapons, some of which are of Russian manufacture. This discovery underlines the extent of international arms trafficking that the CJNG is involved in, as well as the sophistication of their operational capabilities. The captured arms were turned over to the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Organized Crime (FEMDO), which has initiated an investigation into the weapons and their origins.

Among the confiscated items is a range of firearms, such as grenade-launching rifles, a Barrett sniper rifle, rocket launchers, pistols, useful cartridges, grenades, and mortar shells. These weapons not only signify a substantial investment in firepower by the CJNG but also serve as a reminder of their historical use of advanced military-grade weapons in confrontations with federal forces. In a notable incident from 2015, the CJNG showcased its lethal capabilities by using a Russian rocket launcher to shoot down a military helicopter during an operation, thus exemplifying the dangerous escalation in violence related to organized crime in Mexico.

This incident raises serious concerns about the growing influence of the CJNG and its ability to acquire sophisticated military assets. As the FEMDO continues its investigation, the revelations about ‘El Mencho’ and his cartel could lead to further crackdowns and scrutiny on arms trafficking networks that supply these powerful cartels. The presence of such arms indicates a troubling trend in the capacity and audacity of drug trafficking organizations to engage in direct military-style confrontations with government forces, posing significant challenges to law enforcement efforts in Mexico.