Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as El Mencho, rose from a law enforcement officer to one of the world’s most feared drug lords. Born in the Michoacán region of Mexico, the 59-year-old initially worked in the police force but later entered the world of organized crime.
In the 1990s, he moved to the United States where he was arrested on drug trafficking charges and sentenced to three years in prison. After completing his sentence, he returned to Mexico and gradually joined organized criminal networks. His influence expanded over time, and in 2007 he co-founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) with Eric Valencia Salazar.
Intelligence agencies describe the CJNG as one of the most violent and powerful criminal organizations in Latin America. The cartel is known for its military-style structure, advanced weaponry, and brutal tactical operations.
Deadly Fentanyl Business: A Global Threat
Synthetic drug 50 times more toxic than heroin, causing thousands of deaths in the US every year
The cartel became globally notorious for trafficking and manufacturing synthetic drugs, especially fentanyl.
Fentanyl is an extremely powerful opioid — about 50 times stronger than heroin and nearly 100 times stronger than morphine. Experts warn that even two milligrams of fentanyl can be fatal for an adult.
Public health data shows that fentanyl overdoses cause more than 70,000 deaths annually in the United States.
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The cartel allegedly operated secret laboratories in Mexico where large quantities of methamphetamine and other synthetic drugs were produced. It also built international cocaine supply networks with South American countries such as Colombia and Peru.
According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the CJNG cartel generated between $13.6 billion and $49.4 billion annually through drug trafficking and criminal activities.
Military-Style Terror Network
Drones, rocket launchers and road blockades used to spread fear.
Intelligence reports suggest that El Mencho’s cartel operated with advanced military-like equipment. Authorities believe the group possessed drones, rocket launchers capable of targeting helicopters, and other heavy weapons.
The cartel reportedly maintained a force of around 50 heavily armed fighters capable of challenging local police units in several regions.
The group was also known for violent retaliation tactics. Whenever security forces attempted to capture El Mencho, cartel members allegedly burned buses and trucks to block major roads and create chaos.
In a shocking 2020 incident, armed attackers disguised as construction workers attempted to assassinate Mexico City police chief Omar García Harfuch by attacking his armored vehicle with automatic weapons and grenades.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, cartel members reportedly distributed food and financial assistance in some areas, attempting to increase local influence.
The United States has listed El Mencho among the world’s most wanted criminals. Security experts believe that the expansion of fentanyl trafficking and violent cartel networks continues to pose a major security challenge across North and Central America.
About the author – Rehan Khan is a law student and legal journalist with a keen interest in cybercrime, digital fraud, and emerging technology laws. He writes on the intersection of law, cybersecurity, and online safety, focusing on developments that impact individuals and institutions in India.
