El Mencho, regarded as one of the world’s most dangerous drug traffickers and Mexico’s most wanted criminal, has died following a major military operation, sparking widespread unrest across the country. The death of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader, who had dominated Mexico’s criminal underworld for over a decade, has triggered violent reprisals in several states. Soon after the announcement, cartel members took to the streets, torching vehicles and blocking key highways, plunging large parts of the country into chaos.
The cartel chief was critically injured during a large-scale military offensive in the western state of Jalisco. Mexico’s Defense Ministry confirmed that he succumbed to his injuries while being airlifted to Mexico City for medical treatment. El Mencho led one of the most powerful drug trafficking organizations responsible for smuggling cocaine and fentanyl into the United States. The US government had previously announced a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Following confirmation of his death, violent incidents erupted in cities including Jalisco and Guadalajara, where vehicles were set ablaze and used to barricade roads. In the popular tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta, thick plumes of black smoke filled the sky, while videos circulating online showed panic-stricken crowds fleeing airports and public places. Jalisco Governor Pablo Lemus Navarro urged residents to remain indoors until law and order is restored.
The United States described El Mencho’s death as a major breakthrough in the fight against international drug cartels, particularly amid mounting pressure from President Donald Trump to intensify action against drug networks. In view of the deteriorating security situation, the United States and Canada have issued travel advisories, urging their citizens in Jalisco and other affected regions to remain in safe locations.
Under El Mencho’s leadership, the CJNG evolved from a regional criminal group into a formidable international drug trafficking network known for its military-style convoys, heavy weaponry and brutal tactics. Despite his global notoriety, he maintained a low public profile, frequently hiding in forests and mountainous areas to evade capture. Reports indicate that he even constructed a private hospital in a remote location to receive treatment for his health issues while remaining off the authorities’ radar.