Nuevo León

Nuevo León, a state in northern Mexico, is currently newsworthy due to two distinct reasons. Firstly, the discovery of a significant fossil, the *Prognathodon cipactli*, a six-meter-long marine reptile from the Late Cretaceous period, has garnered attention. This mosasaur, predating the dinosaur extinction event, provides valuable insights into the region's prehistoric marine ecosystem. Secondly, Nuevo León, like other parts of Mexico, is affected by the ongoing conflict between drug cartels. While the article focuses on the alleged death of "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), the CJNG's expansion and battles with rival cartels like the Sinaloa Cartel have contributed to violence and instability in various Mexican states, including Nuevo León. The region's relevance stems from its rich paleontological history and its current challenges related to organized crime and security.