Major Fentanyl Kingpin Captured and Killed in Mexico

On Sunday, Mexican authorities announced the capture and death of “El Mencho,” Mexico’s most notorious fentanyl kingpin. The operation unfolded after tracking his girlfriend to a secluded meeting spot over the weekend.

This operation started on February 20, focusing on Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the head of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, also known as “El Mencho.” He was a high-priority target, with a bounty of $15 million offered for his capture. El Mencho rose to prominence following the arrest of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, the former leader of the Sinaloa cartel.

Defense Secretary Ricardo Torrevira Trejo shared details at a press briefing, mentioning military intelligence had monitored a trusted associate linked to El Mencho’s girlfriend.

The associate transported his partner to a designated hut, leading to an encounter with El Mencho overnight. On February 20, military intelligence pinpointed the location of Oseguera Cervantes in Tapalpa, Jalisco. However, when a raid was initiated, it was discovered that he had remained behind with a limited security detail, prompting a coordinated response from Army Special Forces and the National Guard Rapid Response Force.

Authorities reportedly spotted Oseguera Cervantes’ armored entourage carrying heavy weaponry during aerial surveillance, which included rocket launchers and automatic weapons.

During the ensuing clash, Oseguera Cervantes’s security team allegedly opened fire on military personnel, which compelled special forces to return fire. Initially, it was reported that four assailants were killed; however, that number was later corrected to eight. Some injuries were reported among military personnel as well.

In the midst of the confrontation, as Oseguera Cervantes and his crew attempted to flee to nearby woods, they opened fire again after being discovered by soldiers. Torrevira Trejo reported that El Mencho and two of his bodyguards were wounded in the exchange.

Unfortunately, military medics determined the severity of their injuries necessitated immediate air evacuation. Despite these efforts, Oseguera Cervantes and his bodyguards did not survive the transport.

In preparation for potential retaliatory violence by the cartel, 2,500 reinforcements were deployed, joining the 7,000 already stationed in the state.

This event marks a substantial victory in Mexico’s ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime, especially since it follows pressure from the U.S. to take action against cartel activities.