Will Mexico’s Jalisco cartel’s violent biz model survive El Mencho’s death?

Al JazeeraCenterEN 6 min read 100% complete by Chantal FloresFebruary 25, 2026 at 11:57 PM

AI Summary

long article 6 min

Following the reported death of Ruben Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Mexico experienced widespread unrest in February 2026. The CJNG, known for its franchise-based structure, demonstrated its rapid coordination capabilities through retaliatory acts like setting fire to buses and erecting blockades across 20 states. This structure allows smaller cells to operate under the cartel's brand, facilitating its economic reach into Europe and Asia. The CJNG's power is rooted in its paramilitary force, which relies on extortion, violence, and forced disappearances to control territory and markets. The cartel maintains a presence throughout Mexico and operates in over 40 countries, primarily trafficking cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine. Its decentralized financial network allows for profit distribution across numerous locations and groups.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Monterrey 30% King's College London 30% Raul Zepeda Gil 40% Guadalajara 50% Mexican Army 60% United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) 60% Mexico ×480% Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho) ×490% Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) ×695%

Keywords

cjng 90% jalisco cartel 90% el mencho 80% franchise model 80% organized crime 70% drug trafficking 70% mexico 70% criminal organization 60% violence 60% forced disappearances 50%