Mexican Drug Lord 'El Mencho' Killed After Lover's Visit Leads to Raid
A visit from a romantic partner has led to the dramatic capture and subsequent death of one of Mexico's most infamous drug lords, known as "El Mencho," according to officials from Mexico's defense ministry. The operation, which unfolded on Sunday, February 22, 2026, was sparked by intelligence gathered from a confidante of one of the crime boss's lovers, enabling a swift and decisive raid on his hideout.
Intelligence from Romantic Partner Triggers Operation
General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo, Mexico's defense minister, disclosed that information provided by an associate of one of El Mencho's lovers was instrumental in planning the assault. This tip-off allowed security forces to locate the cartel leader at a secluded cabin complex in Tapalpa, within the state of Jalisco. The hideout, nestled in a wooded area, became the epicenter of a fierce confrontation between cartel gunmen and Mexican security personnel.
During the raid, El Mencho, whose real name was Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, sustained injuries alongside two of his bodyguards. The trio were evacuated by helicopter to Mexico City but tragically died en route. General Trevilla noted that several rocket launchers were discovered at the scene, though the men were unable to deploy them. In total, eight cartel members were killed, and authorities seized a cache of weapons, including grenades, ammunition, and armored vehicles.
Background on El Mencho and the CJNG Cartel
El Mencho was the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a criminal organization infamous for trafficking substantial quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine, and cocaine into the United States. The U.S. government had offered a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his arrest, underscoring his status as one of the most wanted criminals in both Mexico and the United States. In February 2025, the CJNG was designated a foreign terrorist organization by the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump, highlighting its global threat.
Widespread Violence Erupts in Aftermath
The operation triggered a wave of retaliatory violence across Mexico, as cartel members launched coordinated attacks in response to El Mencho's death. Omar Garcia Harfuch, Mexico's security minister, reported that 25 members of the National Guard were killed in six separate cartel assaults, along with an agent from the state prosecutor's office, a security guard, and an unidentified woman. Additionally, 30 cartel operatives and one bystander lost their lives in the chaos.
Mr. Garcia Harfuch detailed that the crime boss's death incited "27 cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco," leading to at least 70 arrests across seven states. Cartel members blocked roads, burned vehicles, and carried out arson attacks, with images showing smoke billowing from incidents in locations like Puerto Vallarta. Despite the turmoil, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the armed forces, asserting that the country was now "at peace" and "calm," with none of the over 250 roadblocks across 20 states remaining active.
International Response and Security Measures
The White House confirmed that the United States provided crucial intelligence to support the operation, commending Mexico's army for neutralizing a key criminal figure. In the wake of the violence, the UK Foreign Office issued advisories urging British nationals in Mexico to exercise extreme caution, stay indoors, and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas. Security officials continue to monitor the situation closely for any potential restructuring within the cartel that could lead to further violence, emphasizing the ongoing challenges in combating organized crime in the region.
