Mexico’s Most Wanted Drug Lord 'El Mencho' Killed
El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was reportedly killed in a Mexican military operation, triggering violent cartel reactions and international safety advisories.
El Mencho, one of Mexico’s most wanted drug traffickers, has reportedly been killed during a major military operation. His real name was Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, and he led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a powerful criminal group known for extreme violence and international drug trafficking.
The CJNG has been accused of smuggling drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into the United States and other regions. Fentanyl in particular has been linked to a large number of overdose deaths in the U.S., which led American authorities to consider El Mencho a major international criminal threat. The U.S. government had announced a reward of 15 million dollars for information leading to his capture, and he faced multiple charges related to drug trafficking and organized crime.
According to reports, Mexican army forces carried out a large-scale operation on 22 February 2026 in Tapalpa. Soldiers, National Guard personnel, and intelligence teams surrounded the area where he was believed to be hiding. A heavy gunfight followed, during which El Mencho was seriously injured. He reportedly died while being transported by helicopter to a hospital in Mexico City. Several cartel members were killed, some soldiers were injured, and authorities seized weapons, armored vehicles, and heavy firearms.
El Mencho was born in Michoacán and came from a poor farming background. He later rose to lead the CJNG, which expanded its operations across Mexico and internationally, becoming one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations in the world. He was married to Rosalinda González Valencia, who reportedly played a role in the cartel’s financial operations.
Following news of his death, violence erupted in several areas. Cartel members reportedly burned vehicles, blocked highways, and set fire to businesses in actions known as narco-blockades. Flights were disrupted in cities including Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta, and security forces were deployed to restore order.
Governments responded quickly. The United States described the development as a major blow to international drug trafficking but issued travel warnings for several Mexican states. Canada also cancelled some flights to affected tourist regions. The Embassy of India in Mexico City released an advisory asking Indian citizens to remain indoors, avoid crowds, and follow local safety instructions.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely. While the killing of El Mencho is seen as a significant moment in the fight against global drug trafficking, experts warn that violence may increase as rival groups compete for control of criminal networks.
