Feb 24 • 15:33 UTC 🇫🇷 France France24

How Mexico tracked down 'El Mencho' through one of the drug kingpin’s girlfriends

El Mencho, a notorious drug lord in Mexico, was killed by the military after intelligence from one of his girlfriends led to his location.

Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as "El Mencho", was one of Mexico's most wanted drug lords, leading the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. His death on Sunday marks a significant moment in the ongoing battle against organized crime in Mexico, as he had a bounty of up to $15 million on his head. The operation that led to his downfall began when Mexican military intelligence, with help from the US military's Northern Command, tracked the movements of one of his romantic partners to the village of Tapalpa, revealing a critical weakness in the drug kingpin’s operations.

The intelligence gathered indicated that Oseguera was meeting with this girlfriend in a serene setting not far from Guadalajara. The military intervened during a confrontation, resulting in Oseguera being wounded. Despite the immediate response to airlift him to a hospital, he succumbed to his injuries during transport. His death not only represents a tactical victory for the Mexican government but also raises questions about the future leadership within the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the broader implications for drug trafficking both in Mexico and the United States.

El Mencho's demise is seen as a pivotal moment in Mexico's ongoing fight against drug cartels, which have long plagued the country with violence and corruption. Analysts speculate that his death could lead to a power vacuum that might spark further infighting among rival factions, potentially destabilizing the region even further. Moreover, the cooperation between Mexican and US military forces highlights the interconnectedness of drug trafficking issues across borders, putting further pressure on both governments to address the scourge of organized crime effectively.

📡 Similar Coverage