El Mencho’s Criminal Legacy
Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho,” had a troubled history long before he became the head of Mexico’s most notorious drug cartel. His criminal actions began at just 19, as reported in a 2019 article, which referenced court documents and officials from both the U.S. and Mexico.
His first arrest occurred in San Francisco in 1986, where he faced charges for attempting to sell crystal meth. This led to his initial deportation. However, Cervantes returned to the U.S. three years later but was caught again, resulting in another deportation.
In 1992, he and his brother were apprehended and sentenced for selling heroin to undercover agents. A short time afterwards, he faced deportation yet again.
Interestingly, before becoming a significant figure in organized crime, he briefly worked in the Mexican State Police. Eventually, he climbed the ranks of the Milenio cartel but split from them in 2009 to establish the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG).
El Mencho led the CJNG until his recent death during a military operation in Jalisco state. At the time of his demise, the State Department had placed a $15 million bounty on him, reflecting his status as a high-profile fugitive.
Following his killing, tourists in Puerto Vallarta reported retaliation from cartel factions. The military operation that took him down underscores the increasing collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities, particularly as fentanyl trafficking poses serious security challenges.
There were rising rewards for information on El Mencho, with figures reaching as high as $15 million, drawing attention to his notoriety as one of the world’s most wanted criminals. Former DEA official Paul Crane even labeled him “Public Enemy No. 1,” noting he commanded considerable power with a large following.
After the operation, there were violent reactions across several states, with reports of vehicles being set ablaze and armed groups obstructing highways. This outburst of violence follows years of escalating conflicts, where CJNG was known for their brutal tactics, as evidenced by a 2015 attack using a rocket-propelled grenade against military forces.
Over the years, the CJNG has built a reputation for aggressive displays of power and effective communication through social media, cementing its place among Mexico’s most feared criminal syndicates.
