The Golden Goat Horns: A Symbol of Power

A raid in Guadalajara at the dawn of the century uncovered more than just typical cartel weaponry. Among the AK-47s, known locally as “goat horns,” two stood out: adorned with golden scales and emblazoned with images of a horse and a rooster. These were no ordinary weapons; they were a clear signature of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).

The Uncaptured Kingpin: A Question of Priorities?

In an era defined by relentless US pressure to dismantle cartels and stem the flow of fentanyl, the continued freedom of El Mencho raises critical questions.Why,instead of being behind bars,is there a multi-million dollar bounty on his head? While speculation abounds,concrete answers remain elusive. The recent extradition of 29 cartel figures to the US, including El mencho’s brother Antonio, coincided with the release of his wife, Rosalinda González, from prison, fueling further speculation about the intricate web of power and influence that protects him.

From Mencho it is said that he knows how to play his chips with discretion.

From Poppy Fields to Methamphetamine Empire

Born in Michoacán on July 17, 1966, amidst poppy fields, Rubén Oseguera Cervantes quickly recognized the lucrative potential of methamphetamine. Unlike traditional drug crops, meth didn’t require the earth’s roots to flourish. His early life involved migrating to California with his peasant parents, where he engaged in petty drug sales, leading to his first encounter with law enforcement. This early brush with the law resulted in the only known photograph of his youth,depicting him with curly hair. In contrast, the more familiar image portrays a serene face framed by a distinctive mustache.

Rising Through the Ranks: A Criminal Ascent

Unlike many cartel leaders born into privilege, El Mencho earned his criminal stripes from the ground up. Starting with street-level drug dealing, he progressed through the ranks: hitman, head of hitmen, and eventually, regional boss. Understanding that social mobility in the criminal underworld often hinges on strategic alliances, he married Rosalinda González Valencia, a member of the powerful Valencia clan, also known as Los Cuinis, solidifying his position within the drug trafficking hierarchy.

Betrayal and Alliances: Forging the CJNG

rubén, or Nemesio, as he is also known, built his criminal empire on a foundation of calculated betrayals and strategic alliances. Intelligence reports suggest that el Mencho orchestrated the arrest of Oscar Valencia in 2009, acting on behalf of Nacho Coronel of the Sinaloa Cartel. This act of treachery positioned him to lead the Milenio Cartel, a splinter group of the Valencia organization, which eventually evolved into the CJNG. The CJNG’s paramilitary structure and extreme violence were honed in battles against the Zetas cartel in Veracruz.

Political Complicity: The Key to Expansion

The CJNG’s rapid expansion and entrenchment cannot be solely attributed to violence and strategic alliances.According to Carlos Flores, an expert at the Centre for Research and Higher Studies in Social Anthropology, political complicity played a crucial role. First level political actors were key in Veracruz for the growth of the organization, also state and federal governments of that state and Michoacán or Tabasco, Flores explains, highlighting the deep-seated corruption that enabled the cartel’s rise. The extent of police subservience is chillingly revealed in an audio recording where El Mencho berates a Jalisco police officer for failing to control his subordinates, unleashing a torrent of insults and threats.

The submission of police officers working at their service is revealed brutally in an audio in which the great leader ramks against one of them, in Jalisco, to whom he reproaches the attitude of the uniformed and orders him to contain them immediately. Do not save on shouts and insults for that “bastard ball” that they charge from their pocket.

The Future of the CJNG: A Shifting Landscape

As of today, the CJNG remains a dominant force in Mexico’s drug trade, despite increased pressure from both Mexican and US authorities.The cartel’s control over key trafficking routes and its diversification into other criminal activities, such as extortion and kidnapping, ensure its continued relevance. Though, internal conflicts and challenges from rival cartels, particularly the remnants of the Sinaloa Cartel, pose a critically important threat to its long-term stability. The capture or death of El Mencho would undoubtedly impact the CJNG, but the organization’s deep roots and extensive network suggest that it would likely adapt and endure, albeit in a potentially altered form.

The Ghostly Figure of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” leads the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) with a blend of calculated strategy and extreme secrecy.Unlike other high-profile drug lords, El Mencho maintains an unusually low profile, a tactic that experts attribute not only to his own cunning but also to lessons learned from other criminal organizations. This includes employing foreign mercenaries with advanced training and cultivating relationships with powerful figures in politics and business, according to security analyst Flores.

The mystery surrounding El Mencho extends to his personal life. While rumors of romantic liaisons and connections to narcocorrido singers persist, details remain scarce. David Saucedo, a specialist in narcodencuence, notes that El Mencho’s discretion has been key to his longevity, preventing the kind of personal exposure that has led to the downfall of other cartel leaders.

A Fortress of Secrecy: Security and Myth-Building

El Mencho’s security is reportedly structured in concentric circles, beginning with lookouts (“hawks”), followed by a ring of hitmen, and a layer of corrupt police and ex-military personnel. This multi-layered defense makes him a challenging target for law enforcement.

One anonymous source suggests that the air of mystery surrounding El Mencho may be a intentional tactic to build a mythical persona around him, solidifying his authority within the CJNG. flores adds that this carefully constructed image serves to reinforce his position as the head of a multi-faceted organization.

Adding to the intrigue, rumors circulate about El Mencho’s declining health, specifically a kidney ailment. This has led some to speculate that his actual power might potentially be less than the organization he commands. He is believed to reside within the Jalisco Tequilero region, specifically the towns of El Grullo, Cuautitlán, and Villa Purification, where he maintains residences and a private hospital.

Recruitment and Business Acumen: The Cartel’s operations

The CJNG’s operations are characterized by a ruthless efficiency and a keen understanding of business principles.As one anonymous source revealed,the cartel has been known to recruit promising young students from universities,offering scholarships with the intention of hiring them upon graduation. This strategy allows the CJNG to build a sophisticated network of professionals to manage their illicit activities.

The cartel’s reach extends into legitimate businesses as well. El Mencho is said to purchase restaurants, placing accountants from his organization within them while allowing the businesses to continue operating. This tactic allows the cartel to launder money and further embed itself within the local economy.

The CJNG’s global connections are also crucial to its success. Flores notes that one of the companies supplying the cartel with chemical precursors was owned by a chinese national, highlighting the international scope of their operations. This underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in disrupting the cartel’s supply chains.

Image Management: The Cartel as Protector

The CJNG has cultivated an image as protectors of the people, particularly within Jalisco. They often portray themselves as peacekeepers in rural areas, benefactors in education, and providers of aid to the poor. This carefully crafted image helps to garner support and silence dissent within the communities they control.

Evidence of this “benevolent” image management was found in a notebook seized during the arrest of a family leader. The notebook contained records of favors granted, such as settling debts and granting permission for marriages, with expressions of gratitude from those who received assistance. This demonstrates the cartel’s efforts to exert control over all aspects of life within their territory.

While these acts of “charity” may seem benign,they serve a strategic purpose: to solidify the cartel’s power and facilitate their larger criminal enterprises,such as securing access to major ports like Lázaro Cárdenas,Veracruz,and Manzanillo.

The Rooster Lord: Maintaining Power Through Social Influence

Nemesio Oseguera cervantes, infamously known as “El Mencho,” continues to exert considerable influence, particularly within his home territory of Jalisco. Unlike other cartel leaders who rely solely on brute force, el Mencho has cultivated a complex web of social power, ensuring his continued dominance. This strategy is evident in regions like Zanillo, Colima, where sources suggest his success stems from strategic alliances and calculated movements.

His influence extends beyond mere control; it permeates the social fabric. In villages across Jalisco, vendors proudly display aprons bearing his image. He sponsors local events like Jaripeos (Mexican rodeos), provides food during crises like the pandemic, and distributes gifts during holidays. Animators at these events openly acknowledge his contributions, solidifying his image as a benefactor. These displays, often captured in videos, occur with surprising openness, suggesting a level of impunity possibly fueled by corruption within local law enforcement.

The rooster logo, a symbol of El Mencho’s passion for cockfighting, frequently appears on gifts and other items associated with him.This emblem is a nod to his moniker, “The Lord of the Roosters,” reflecting his deep involvement in the high-stakes world of palenques (cockfighting arenas).

Succession Uncertain: A Potential Catalyst for Cartel Warfare

While Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s legacy is carried on by his sons, “Los Chapitos,” the future leadership of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) remains uncertain. El Mencho’s potential successors have faced significant setbacks. One son has been captured and extradited to the United States, while his brother, Antonio, and another relative, abraham, are imprisoned, facing potential extradition.This disruption of the dynastic line raises concerns about the stability of the CJNG.

If he is captured, that lack of dynastic inheritance could trigger a civil war inside the Jalisco New Generation cartel.

David Saucedo, Security Analyst

according to security analyst David Saucedo, the absence of a clear successor could trigger a violent power struggle within the cartel. This internal conflict could destabilize the region and potentially lead to increased violence.

Elusive and Enduring: The Myth of “El Mencho”

Despite numerous reports of his demise, “El Mencho” remains at large, carefully avoiding public attention.He reportedly emerges only to resolve disputes among corrupt police officers or to issue veiled threats against government officials. The persistent rumors of his death, often dismissed, contribute to the mystique surrounding his figure.

the enduring power of “El Mencho” highlights the complex challenges facing Mexico in its fight against organized crime. His ability to maintain social influence, coupled with the uncertainty surrounding the CJNG’s future leadership, suggests that the cartel will remain a significant force for the foreseeable future. The ongoing battle against the CJNG requires a multi-faceted approach that addresses not only law enforcement but also the underlying social and economic factors that contribute to its power.