On Sunday, Mexican special forces killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, in the mountains of Tapalpa, Jalisco. Oseguera, who was the world's most wanted drug trafficker following the arrest and imprisonment of Chapo Guzmán in the United States, led the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG), which was considered the third most dangerous criminal organization globally, just behind the Russian mafia and Chinese triads. His death triggered violent responses, including narco-blockades and vehicle burnings in six states, leading to the suspension of classes in Jalisco and Nayarit and turning Guadalajara into a ghost city.

The article delves deeper into the historical roots of drug trafficking in Latin America, tracing its origins back 45 years to a birthday dinner in Santa Cruz de la Sierra, Bolivia. During this event, a Nazi war criminal reportedly informed a local rancher about a planned coup, which marked the inception of what became known as the first narco-state in history. This historical context underpins the current dynamics of drug trafficking in the region and illustrates how political and criminal activities have intersected over the decades.

The implications of El Mencho's death are significant as they reveal the ongoing struggle between the Mexican government and powerful cartels like the CJNG. The violent aftermath of his death raises questions about law enforcement strategies and the security situation within the country, as communities struggle to cope with cartel-related violence and the state’s response. As drug trafficking continues to be a major issue in Latin America, the story underscores the historical and ongoing complexities surrounding narcotics and organized crime.