Juan Carlos Valencia González has been identified as the potential successor to the Mexican cartel leader El Mencho, marking the first time an American citizen has taken such a prominent role in a major cartel.
Juan Carlos Valencia González, also known as El 3, is reported to be the first American to lead a significant Mexican cartel following the death of notorious cartel leader El Mencho. With a $5 million bounty on his head for his capture, Valencia is the stepson of the recently deceased leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The circumstances surrounding El Mencho's death have led to an escalation of violence in Mexico, particularly in Guadalajara, where cartel factions have unleashed chaos in response. Major disruptions included assaults at the Guadalajara International Airport, and broader disturbances throughout the city, affecting both locals and visitors. Authorities have cautioned tourists to exercise heightened vigilance amidst the unrest.
This situation raises critical questions about the future dynamics of the CJNG and the potential for increased cartel violence in Mexico. With the rise of an American citizen to such a powerful position, it is emblematic of the transnational reach and influence of drug cartels, as well as the challenges faced by law enforcement agencies in combating organized crime.
