Economy|DrugsWill Mexico’s Jalisco cartel’s violent biz model survive El Mencho’s death?El Mencho consolidated one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organisations in part due to a unique franchise-based structure.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) remains a critical player in organized crime across Mexico and internationally. Following the death of its leader, Ruben Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, on Wed, Feb 22, 2026, significant unrest erupted as cartel…
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) remains a critical player in organized crime across Mexico and internationally. Following the death of its leader, Ruben Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, on Wed, Feb 22, 2026, significant unrest erupted as cartel members initiated blockades and violent acts across 20 states. This incident underscores the CJNG's expansive reach and operational capabilities.
The CJNG operates under a franchise model, allowing smaller groups to leverage the cartel's brand and resources while maintaining a decentralized financial network. This approach facilitates rapid coordination and economic expansion into Europe, Asia, and other global regions.
The United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) reports that the CJNG is active in all Mexican states and over 40 countries. The cartel's primary activities include the trafficking of cocaine, fentanyl, and methamphetamine, alongside involvement in illegal mining, fuel theft, and money laundering.
The cartel's operations significantly impact local and international markets. The CJNG's control over strategic ports such as Manzanillo and Lazaro Cardenas is crucial for importing synthetic precursor chemicals used in drug production. Additionally, the cartel's involvement in timeshare fraud has targeted American citizens, drawing sanctions from the US Department of the Treasury.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) remains a critical player in organized crime across Mexico and internationally.
The group's paramilitary force, noted for its brutality, employs forced disappearances and extortion to maintain market control and suppress opposition. This has led to a significant increase in homicides and disappearances, particularly in Jalisco, where the CJNG originated.
The CJNG is equipped with military-grade weaponry, including armed drones and rocket-propelled grenades. Recent legal actions in the United States have revealed attempts by the group to acquire advanced weapon systems, further solidifying its paramilitary profile.
The cartel's military tactics have enabled it to expand into rival territories and maintain dominance within the drug trade. The organization’s structure allows local affiliates to operate with a degree of autonomy, enhancing its adaptability and resilience.
The death of Oseguera Cervantes introduces uncertainty within the cartel's leadership. However, historical patterns suggest that dismantling leadership without addressing underlying power networks is insufficient. Effective strategies must target the broader criminal and operational structures to achieve long-term stability.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.