Mexico's Most Wanted Drug Lord El Mencho Killed in Major Security Operation
In a significant blow to organized crime in Mexico, security forces have successfully eliminated the country's most powerful cartel leader during a coordinated military operation. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, infamously known as El Mencho, was killed on Sunday, February 22, 2026, as authorities moved to arrest him in the central-western state of Jalisco.
Operation Details and Casualties
The operation, which took place in the town of Tapalpa, resulted in the deaths of four members of the Jalisco New Generation cartel (CJNG) and left two others seriously injured. According to official statements from the Mexican defence ministry, three military personnel were also wounded during the intense clashes between cartel supporters and army forces.
El Mencho, who was seriously injured in the confrontation, was subsequently transported to Mexico City. The former police officer had built a vast criminal empire that extended far beyond its original power base in Jalisco to achieve an almost nationwide presence across Mexico.
International Cooperation and Seizures
The successful operation benefited from crucial intelligence support from the United States, which provided Mexican authorities with information that assisted in locating and confronting the elusive drug lord. During the raid, security forces seized several armoured vehicles and an arsenal of weapons, including rocket launchers, highlighting the sophisticated military capabilities of the cartel.
El Mencho's criminal organization was responsible for transporting massive quantities of methamphetamine and fentanyl into the United States, contributing significantly to the ongoing opioid crisis. The U.S. government had offered a substantial reward of $15 million (£11.1 million) for information leading to his capture, underscoring his status as one of the world's most wanted criminals.
Impact on Mexico's Security Landscape
The elimination of El Mencho represents a major victory for Mexican security forces in their ongoing battle against powerful drug cartels. The Jalisco New Generation cartel, under his leadership, had grown to become one of Mexico's most feared and influential criminal organizations, known for its violent tactics and extensive reach.
This operation demonstrates the effectiveness of international cooperation in combating transnational organized crime and marks a significant milestone in Mexico's efforts to dismantle powerful criminal networks that have plagued the country for decades.
