News|DrugsWhat we know about Mexican drug cartel leaders still at largeWhile Mexico’s government hails the killing of drug kingpin El Mencho, other powerful cartel leaders continue to evade capture.
The Mexican Secretariat of National Defence has confirmed the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during an operation in Jalisco on Sun, Feb 2026. Oseguera, also known as "El Mencho," was a…
The Mexican Secretariat of National Defence has confirmed the death of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, during an operation in Jalisco on Sun, Feb 2026. Oseguera, also known as "El Mencho," was a high-priority target for the United States.
Following the incident, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum commended the security forces involved while urging the public to remain calm. In response, cartel affiliates initiated aggression, obstructing highways and incinerating vehicles across the nation.
Ismael Zambada Sicairos ('El Mayito Flaco')
Zambada Sicairos, a key figure in the Sinaloa Cartel's La Mayiza faction, is the son of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. Since his father's apprehension in 2024, he has played a significant role in the cartel’s drug operations targeting the US market. Reports indicate that Zambada Sicairos and his brothers, who maintain a low profile, have advanced within the organization based on merit.
Ismael Zambada Sicairos, also known as 'El Mayito Flaco' [Handout/US Drug Enforcement Administration]
Oseguera, also known as "El Mencho," was a high-priority target for the United States.
Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar ('El Chapito')
Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar is a senior leader of the Sinaloa Cartel and son of Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman. Since his father's arrest in 2016, he has co-led the cartel with other family members. He is implicated in violent confrontations with Mexican authorities and is involved in a leadership conflict with the Zambada Sicairos faction.
US and Mexican authorities are pursuing Guzman Salazar on charges of drug trafficking and organized crime, particularly for directing operations involving fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine to the US.
Fausto Isidro Meza Flores ('El Chapo Isidro')
Meza Flores is on the FBI's 10 most wanted fugitives list for leading the Meza Flores cartel in Sinaloa. Despite multiple arrests, he remains at large and is accused of trafficking significant quantities of narcotics into the US and Mexico, as well as involvement in kidnapping, extortion, torture, and murder. A reward of up to $5 million is offered for information leading to his arrest.
Fausto Isidro Meza Flores (El Chapo Isidro) [US Department of State]
Juan Reyes Mejia-Gonzalez ('R-1' or 'Kiki')
Juan Reyes Mejia-Gonzalez, a senior member of the Gulf Cartel's Los Rojos faction, is wanted by the US Department of State with a $15 million reward for his capture. He is accused of orchestrating international cocaine trafficking and other illicit activities, including money laundering and violent conflicts with rival factions. His criminal activities reportedly began in 2006 with significant cocaine distribution in Dallas.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.