The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has emerged as a formidable force in the criminal landscape of Mexico, positioning itself as the most violent and dominant cartel within a short span of time. Following the death of its notorious leader, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," who was killed in a military operation, the organization now faces challenges to its cohesion and power. The CJNG has expanded its influence beyond Mexico, with links stretching into over 40 countries, indicating its involvement not just in drug trafficking, but also in illegal activities such as mining and the production of fentanyl.

Historically, the CJNG originated as an armed wing of the Sinaloa Cartel, initially formed in 2007 to safeguard the Jalisco region from incursions by rival groups like Los Zetas. Under the leadership of Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel, who was associated with the infamous "El Chapo" Guzmán, the CJNG's original mission was marked by violence and protectionism. Over the years, however, it has transitioned from a subordinate faction into one of the most feared criminal organizations in the world, leveraging its strategic alliances and violent tactics to carve out a significant territory in the drug trade.

As the CJNG faces a power vacuum with the demise of El Mencho, analysts and law enforcement are closely monitoring potential shifts in the cartel's hierarchy and operations. The implications of this transition could influence local and international drug trafficking routes, create power struggles among rival factions, and raise concerns about the cartel's growing role in global organized crime. The future of the CJNG remains uncertain, but their continued global connections underscore the necessity for an international response to transnational crime.