The reign of one of the world’s most ruthless drug kingpins has come to a violent end. In a massive blow to organized crime, Mexican special forces have killed Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho,” the feared leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
The operation, which took place on Sunday, February 22, 2026, has sent shockwaves across Mexico and the United States, sparking immediate retaliatory violence and leaving experts wondering: what happens next?
The Raid: How It Went Down
The takedown wasn’t a simple arrest. Acting on precision intelligence—reportedly supported by U.S. agencies, Mexican military units, and the National Guard descended on the town of Tapalpa in the western state of Jalisco. Special forces came under heavy fire from cartel gunmen using military-grade weaponry.
El Mencho was seriously wounded during the clash. While authorities attempted to airlift him to Mexico City for medical treatment, he succumbed to his injuries during the flight. Along with the kingpin, several of his top lieutenants were killed, and multiple soldiers were wounded in the exchange.
Chaos on the Streets
News of El Mencho’s death didn’t stay quiet for long. Within hours, CJNG members launched a wave of “narcoblockades” across several states. Guadalajara and tourist hotspots like Puerto Vallarta saw burning buses and trucks blocking major highways, a classic cartel tactic to hinder troop movements. The violence was so intense that several international airlines, including Air Canada and Delta, temporarily suspended flights to the region, and the U.S. State Department issued an urgent “shelter-in-place” advisory for its citizens.
Who Was El Mencho?
Before becoming a billionaire drug lord with a $15 million bounty on his head, El Mencho had a surprising past. Under his leadership, the CJNG grew from a regional gang into a global empire, rivaling the infamous Sinaloa Cartel. He was the primary target for U.S. authorities due to his cartel’s role in the devastating fentanyl and methamphetamine trade.
The operation comes at a time of high pressure from the Trump administration, which has threatened military action and tariffs if Mexico doesn’t curb the flow of drugs. This “win” provides a significant political shield for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Historically, killing a top boss leads to “splintering.” We may see a brutal internal power struggle within the CJNG or an opportunistic land grab by the Sinaloa Cartel.
Travel & Economy
Mexico is a massive tourism hub. Sustained violence in Jalisco could impact travel stocks and local revenue as the country prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
What’s Next?
While the Mexican government celebrates this victory, the streets remain tense. Schools in several states have been closed, and the military remains on high alert. The big question remains: Is the CJNG weakened enough to collapse, or will a new “Mencho” emerge from the shadows?