Mexican Security Forces Kill CJNG Leader ‘El Mencho’ in Jalisco Raid
London, 22 February 2026 – In a significant escalation of Mexico’s internal security operations, federal military forces have killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Known globally by his alias “El Mencho”, Oseguera Cervantes was widely regarded as the world’s most wanted drug trafficker and the primary architect of a criminal empire that spanned multiple continents. The operation, which took place in the western state of Jalisco, marks the most substantial blow to organised crime structures in Mexico in over a decade.
The Military Operation in Jalisco
According to official reports from the Mexican army and federal authorities, the raid occurred on Sunday, 22 February 2026. Security forces engaged in a high-stakes confrontation with the cartel’s inner circle in their stronghold of Jalisco. While the government has confirmed the death of Oseguera Cervantes, the operation triggered immediate instability in the region. Reports indicate that criminal groups responded to the military presence by setting fire to vehicles, including buses, to create blockades and hinder the movement of the National Guard.
The United States Department of State had previously placed a $15 million (£11.9 million) bounty on El Mencho’s head, identifying him as a Tier 1 target under the Narcotics Rewards Programme. His leadership saw the CJNG evolve from a regional trafficking cell into a dominant international power, notorious for its use of extreme violence and sophisticated weaponry.
Key Facts: Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes
The following table outlines the profile and criminal history of the deceased CJNG leader based on verified records.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes |
| Date of Birth | 17 July 1966 |
| Organisation | Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) |
| Role | Founder and Supreme Leader |
| Date of Death | 22 February 2026 |
| Location of Death | Jalisco, Mexico |
| U.S. Reward Offer | Up to $15,000,000 |
Impact on Organised Crime
The death of El Mencho is expected to create a significant power vacuum within the CJNG. Analysts suggest that while this is a major victory for the Mexican administration, it may lead to internal fracturing and increased violence as rival factions and the Sinaloa Cartel attempt to seize control of lucrative trafficking routes. Beyond narcotics, the CJNG had recently diversified into other illicit economies, including large-scale timeshare fraud and the extortion of local businesses.
In tandem with the military operation, authorities have also targeted the cartel’s political influence. Following the raid, the sitting mayor of Tequila, Jalisco, was arrested as part of “Operation Enjambre”, a multi-agency initiative designed to purge organised crime influence from municipal governments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was El Mencho?
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes was the founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). He was a former police officer who transitioned into organised crime, eventually building one of the most violent and powerful drug trafficking organisations in the world.
How did El Mencho die?
He was killed during a federal military operation led by the Mexican army in the state of Jalisco on 22 February 2026. The raid was part of a coordinated effort to dismantle the leadership of the CJNG.
What happens to the CJNG now?
While the leader has been removed, the cartel remains a formidable force. Security experts anticipate a period of “narco-blockades” and retaliatory violence in the short term, followed by potential leadership disputes within the organisation’s remaining hierarchy.