On February 22, the Mexican army reportedly eliminated Ruben Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). Following this event, violent reprisals ensued, with cartel members setting fire to public transport vehicles and establishing blockades across 20 states in the country. This chaos underscores the cartel’s sophisticated operational capabilities and the far-reaching impact of its unique franchise-based business model, which enables smaller groups to operate under its umbrella.

Global Reach and Financial Operations

The CJNG, as noted by the United States Drug Enforcement Agency, boasts a presence in every Mexican state, with significant influence extending into over 40 countries worldwide. Drug trafficking remains the cartel’s primary function, specifically in cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Raul Zepeda Gil, an academic specializing in War Studies, observes that the CJNG does not adhere to a traditional organizational pyramid. Instead, profits are decentralized, allowing for simultaneous distribution across various regions, enhancing the cartel’s projected reach and operational efficiency.

Territorial Control and Additional Revenue Streams

In addition to its drug trafficking operations, the cartel is also engaged in activities such as extortion, fuel theft, illegal mining, money laundering, and migrant smuggling. The CJNG’s strategic control of significant territories, including key ports like Manzanillo and Lazaro Cardenas, facilitates the importation of synthetic drugs and precursors, further bolstering its financial leverage. The U.S. Department of the Treasury recently sanctioned a network linked to the cartel involved in fraudulent schemes targeting American retirees, further emphasizing its expansive criminal enterprises.

Threat to National Security and Community Impact

The violent tactics employed by the CJNG, including extortion and forced disappearances, perpetuate a cycle of fear, allowing the cartel to dominate local markets and maintain control over communities. Homicides and disappearances in Jalisco have risen dramatically since the cartel’s formation in 2010, with the state accounting for approximately 16,000 of the over 130,000 missing persons cases reported nationwide. Community groups such as the Guerreros Buscadores, composed of families of the disappeared, continue to uncover mass graves, shedding light on the brutal realities faced by communities plagued by cartel violence.

Military Capabilities and Government Response

The CJNG is notorious for its extensive arsenal, including military-grade weaponry. This includes armed drones and various advanced firearms, with recent reports indicating a significant death toll among National Guard members in Jalisco. The cartel’s capacity for high-impact attacks against public officials highlights the ongoing threat it poses to national stability. The organization has gained notoriety for tactics reminiscent of elite military operations, such as those employed by Los Zetas, from which it evolved.

The Future Viability of CJNG Following Leadership Change

Historical context provides insightful perspective on the potential trajectory of the CJNG after the death of its leader. Observers note that the dynamics of the drug trade are highly adaptable, suggesting that new players may rise to fill the void left by Oseguera Cervantes. Experts emphasize that simply removing leadership does not address the underlying structural issues that sustain the organization’s influence. The enduring presence of complex power networks intertwined with state institutions poses ongoing challenges to achieving lasting stability within affected regions.

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