Mexico, recognized globally for its significant role in the production and trafficking of cocaine, meth, and fentanyl, has seen the demise of a prominent figure in its drug trafficking landscape. Ruben Oseguera, known as “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in a military operation conducted by Mexican security forces. His death has raised concerns about potential power vacuums within the cartel’s operations and the escalation of violence in the regions it controlled.

Cartel Landscape in Mexico

The Mexican drug trade is heavily influenced by two major cartels: the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The CJNG has recently grown in power and influence, becoming one of the most feared criminal organizations in the country since its establishment in 2010. The US government designated both the Sinaloa and CJNG as Foreign Terrorist Organizations last year. Furthermore, several other cartels such as the Gulf Cartel, Juarez Cartel, La Lnea, Northeast Cartel, and La Familia also operate within Mexico, each contributing to the complex fabric of the country’s drug crisis.

CJNG’s Expanding Influence

The CJNG exerts considerable control in several key states, including Guanajuato, Michoacan, Colima, Veracruz, Guerrero, Zacatecas, Baja California, and the State of Mexico. The cartel’s aggressive tactics, marked by a willingness to employ extreme violence, have allowed it to establish a significant foothold in the illegal drug markets, particularly concerning amphetamines in both the United States and Europe.

Sinaloa Cartel: Persistence Amidst Turmoil

The Sinaloa Cartel, traditionally regarded as one of the world’s largest drug-trafficking organizations, has demonstrated resilience despite facing internal challenges. Following the arrest of its leader in July 2019, the cartel experienced a fracture in its power structure that led to increased violence as factions battled for dominance. Nevertheless, it continues to maintain a stronghold in north-west Mexico and operates in international markets extending from Buenos Aires to New York.

The Long History of the Gulf Cartel

Established in the 1980s, the Gulf Cartel is one of Mexico’s oldest drug trafficking organizations. Initially involved in the smuggling of cocaine and marijuana into the United States, it has diversified its operations to include heroin and amphetamines. The cartel’s historical significance was marked by its founder, Juan García Ábrego, who became the first Mexican drug lord to be listed among the FBI’s 10 most wanted. Subsequent leaders adopted increasingly violent approaches, leading to further fragmentation within cartel structures.

Consequences of El Mencho’s Death

The killing of El Mencho has led to a marked increase in violence, particularly in areas previously under the cartel’s control. Reports indicate that vehicles have been set ablaze to block roadways, and in Guadalajara, residents reacted to the situation with heightened caution, as police sirens and helicopter activity surged. Local businesses opted to close as immediate safety became a priority amid the turmoil.

International Pressure on Mexico’s Government

This operation coincides with ongoing pressures from international leaders, including discussions surrounding potential military actions by the United States to combat drug cartels. El Mencho, once one of the most wanted fugitives, played a crucial role in the CJNG’s rise, which has been associated with large-scale trafficking of fentanyl and other narcotics across the US border.

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