U.S. Increases Reward for CJNG Leader ‘El Mencho’ Amid Escalating Cartel Violence

As cartel violence intensifies in Mexico, the U.S. State Department has increased its reward for information leading to the capture of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” to $15 million. El Mencho, co-founder and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), remains a fugitive despite multiple U.S. indictments for drug trafficking and related crimes.

The CJNG, one of Mexico’s most violent transnational criminal organizations, has gained notoriety for its extreme brutality, including mass killings, forced disappearances, and the creation of mass graves. Emerging from the remnants of the Milenio Cartel in 2010, CJNG quickly established itself as a dominant force in the multi-billion-dollar illicit drug trade, particularly in methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl trafficking.

Operating primarily in the Mexican states of Jalisco and Colima, CJNG has battled other cartels, including remnants of the Sinaloa Cartel and the Zetas, to control strategic trafficking routes along the U.S.-Mexico border. The cartel’s violent methods include targeting police officers and political candidates, contributing to Mexico’s escalating crime rates.

The violence surged under former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, who faced criticism for his “hugs not bullets” policy, which many argue emboldened cartels. López Obrador’s administration controversially sued U.S. gun manufacturers, blaming them for the violence, a claim dismissed by U.S. officials as deflecting responsibility.

A coalition of 28 U.S. state attorneys general, led by Montana, has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Mexico’s lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers, arguing that Mexico’s government has failed to address its internal cartel crisis. “If Mexico wants to end its domestic gun problem, it may do so… but it cannot end the domestic manufacturing of American firearms,” the coalition stated.

Since 2017, El Mencho has faced multiple indictments in the U.S., including charges for drug trafficking, operating a criminal enterprise, and firearms offenses. Despite these efforts, he remains at large. In April 2022, he was charged with continuing criminal enterprise activities and the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl intended for U.S. markets.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is actively seeking tips to locate El Mencho and other CJNG leaders. Those with information are encouraged to contact the DEA via text or WhatsApp at 213-237-9990 or by email at MENCHOTIPS@dea.gov.

The DEA is also pursuing CJNG leaders Audias Flores-Silva and Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez, with $5 million rewards for each. Flores-Silva faces charges of cocaine and heroin trafficking and firearms offenses, while Valencia Gonzalez is wanted for drug distribution and firearm-related crimes.

As cartel violence continues to impact Mexico and spill across borders, U.S. authorities are ramping up efforts to dismantle criminal organizations like CJNG and bring their leaders to justice.

MORE STORIES