The U.S. Department of State has significantly increased the reward for facts leading to the capture and conviction of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, better known as “El Mencho.” The reward now stands at a staggering $15 million.
El Mencho is believed to be the co-founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG),a powerful Mexican criminal institution notorious for trafficking fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. ”Since 2017, Oseguera Cervantes has been accused several times in the United States of drug trafficking,” the State Department said in a statement. “Most recently, in april 2022, Oseguera was charged with engaging in a continuing criminal enterprise; conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl for importation into the United States; and use of a firearm during and in relation to drug trafficking crimes.”
The State Department added that Oseguera “is a fugitive.” This declaration comes just weeks after the arrest of Cristian Fernando Gutiérrez-Ochoa, El Mencho’s son-in-law, in Riverside, California. Gutiérrez-Ochoa’s arrest was announced by the Department of Justice on November 21.
The CJNG is considered one of the most perilous and powerful criminal organizations in Mexico by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). The DEA describes the cartel as characterized by ”extreme violence” and involvement in trafficking a wide range of substances, including “fentanyl, cocaine, heroin and methamphetamine,” as well as money laundering operations.
US Offers $15 Million Reward for Capture of CJNG Leader “El Mencho”
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In a bold move to dismantle one of Mexico’s most powerful drug cartels, the U.S. Department of State has dramatically increased the reward for details leading to the capture of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes,also known as ”El Mencho.” The reward now stands at a staggering $15 million, reflecting the heightened urgency to bring the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader to justice.
El Mencho is believed to be the co-founder and leader of the CJNG, a ruthless criminal institution notorious for its wide-reaching drug trafficking operations, especially its role in flooding the United states with fentanyl and other illicit narcotics. This intensified pursuit of El Mencho follows recent high-profile arrests linked to the cartel, including that of his son-in-law in California.
To gain deeper insights into the meaning of this advancement and its potential implications, World Today News spoke with two leading experts on Mexican drug cartels and U.S.-Mexico security cooperation.
Targeting the Cartel’s Kingpin
World Today News: Dr. Garcia, the CJNG is considered by manny to be the most risky cartel operating in Mexico today. Can you elaborate on why El Mencho’s capture is viewed as such a critical objective?
dr. Elena Garcia, Senior Fellow, Center for Strategic and International Studies: El Mencho is not only the leader but also the ideological force behind the CJNG’s brutality and expansion. His capture would deliver a important blow to the cartel’s command structure and could potentially trigger internal conflicts that weaken its operations.
It would also send a strong message that the U.S. and Mexico are serious about dismantling the CJNG and holding its leadership accountable for the devastating impact they have on both countries.
World Today News: mr. Rodriguez, the $15 million reward is substantial. What does this signal about the U.S. government’s commitment to combatting drug trafficking and the CJNG specifically?
Miguel Rodriguez, Former DEA Special Agent: The unprecedented reward amount underscores the severity of the threat posed by the CJNG and the U.S. government’s determination to bring El Mencho to justice.
It also suggests a willingness to leverage financial incentives to encourage individuals with critical information to come forward, even if it means risking their safety.
Beyond Capture: Dismantling the Network
World Today News: Dr. Garcia, while El Mencho’s capture would be a major victory, what other strategies are necessary to effectively dismantle the CJNG and curb the flow of fentanyl into the U.S.?
**Dr. Garcia:** A multi-pronged approach is essential. This includes strengthening cross-border law enforcement cooperation, disrupting the cartel’s financial networks, and addressing the underlying social and economic vulnerabilities that make people susceptible to cartel recruitment.
We must also focus on reducing the demand for drugs in the U.S. through prevention,treatment,and harm reduction strategies.
World Today News: Mr. Rodriguez, with the recent arrest of El Mencho’s son-in-law, do you see signs of the U.S. intensifying its crackdown on the inner circle of the CJNG?
**Mr. Rodriguez:** Absolutely.Targeting high-level operatives within the cartel’s hierarchy is crucial to weaken its overall structure and disrupt its operations.
These arrests send a clear message that the U.S. will spare no effort in pursuing those responsible for fueling the opioid epidemic.
The Road Ahead: A Long Struggle
World Today News: Looking ahead, what are the key challenges and opportunities in the ongoing fight against the CJNG?
**Dr. Garcia:** The CJNG’s ruthlessness, ability to adapt, and deep roots in Mexican society make it a formidable adversary. Corruption within Mexico’s institutions also continues to be a significant obstacle. Though, the growing cooperation between the U.S. and Mexican governments, coupled with a renewed focus on addressing the root causes of drug trafficking, offers a glimmer of hope.
**Mr. Rodriguez:** This is a long-term struggle that requires sustained commitment from both countries. Public awareness and political will are crucial to ensure that the fight against drug trafficking remains a top priority.
we need to remember that behind the staggering statistics are real lives lost and communities torn apart.
Take Action
Understanding the complex realities of drug trafficking and the efforts to combat it is indeed essential for informed citizenry. Share your thoughts on this important issue and explore related articles on World Today News to learn more about the CJNG, the opioid crisis, and U.S.-Mexico security cooperation.
See Also: The Rise of the CJNG
Opioid crisis: A National Emergency
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