Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes was at the center of Mexico’s drug wars. As the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), he became one of the country’s most notorious figures. The United States even offered up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest.
Born in July 1966 in Michoacán, Mexico, El Mencho moved to the U.S. in his youth. In 1994, he was convicted in California for drug-related charges. After serving three years in prison, he returned to Mexico and briefly worked as a police officer but quickly slipped back into crime.
El Mencho’s rise to power began in the 1990s when he worked with his brother-in-law, Abigael González Valencia, to build the CJNG. This cartel quickly gained a reputation for extreme violence. It emerged from the remnants of the Milenio Cartel, with a focus on methamphetamine and fentanyl production. The DEA reported that CJNG has turned into a major supplier of fentanyl in the U.S., generating billions in profits.
Recent statistics highlight that fentanyl is now responsible for over 70% of drug overdose deaths in the U.S. in recent years, emphasizing the severity of this public health crisis. The presence of CJNG in over 40 countries shows just how widespread their operations have become.
The cartel isn’t just about drugs; it often uses brutal tactics. The U.S. State Department labeled it a terrorist organization in 2025, citing acts of violence against law enforcement. Reports mention attacks using military-grade weapons and even drones to drop explosives.
With multiple indictments against him, El Mencho was ultimately charged in 2022 with conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine and fentanyl. His violent methods and gang involvement have changed the landscape of drug trafficking in Mexico and raised concerns about safety and security in the region.
As public interest grows, social media trends have emerged, with users discussing the implications of cartel violence on everyday life in Mexico and the U.S. Many worry about safety in areas affected by CJNG’s presence, while others voice frustration over the seemingly endless cycle of violence.
To learn more about the infamous rise and fall of El Mencho and the CJNG, visit CNN for in-depth coverage and expert analysis.
