Feb 26 • 14:37 UTC 🇦🇷 Argentina La Nacion (ES)

'El Mencho' is dead, but the Mexican drug cartels are not yet

'El Mencho', the powerful leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has been killed, yet the cartel's devastating influence continues in Mexico.

Claudia Sheinbaum's government achieved a notable victory in the fight against drug trafficking with the successful operation that resulted in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', the leader of the notoriously powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). His death signifies a critical shift in Mexico's ongoing struggle against organized crime, particularly with a cartel that has unleashed extreme levels of violence and criminal activity, including the trafficking of fentanyl, which has contributed significantly to the drug crisis.

Despite the perceived success of this military operation, experts argue that the CJNG's influence will not dissipate overnight. The group, which has cultivated a nearly mythic status among its members, is entrenched in a complex web of narcotic trade and violence that extends across Mexico and into the United States. The ruthless tactics employed by the CJNG, including brutal extortion and relentless violence, suggest that the cartel is likely to adapt quickly to the loss of its leader, continuing its operations unabated.

Moreover, the government of Sheinbaum must navigate the turbulent waters of public safety and the rule of law in the wake of this high-profile assassination. While the death of a cartel leader presents an opportunity to weaken organized crime, it also highlights the challenges faced by Mexican authorities. Persistent corruption, violence against civilians, and the enduring power of other drug cartels will continue to pose significant hurdles in creating a safer environment for the Mexican populace, marking her administration's commitment to a long, arduous battle against the powerful remnants of drug trafficking.

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