Why El Mencho Emerged as One of the World’s Most Wanted Crime Bosses

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known by his alias “El Mencho,” built a criminal empire that transformed him into one of the most wanted men on the planet. As the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), he presided over one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug trafficking organisations, drawing the attention of authorities across North America and beyond.

Born in the rural state of Michoacán, Mexico, Oseguera grew up in modest circumstances. As a young man, he migrated to the United States, where he became entangled in drug-related activities. After serving time in prison for heroin trafficking, he was deported back to Mexico. It was there that his ascent within organised crime accelerated. He initially aligned himself with the Milenio Cartel, learning the mechanics of trafficking networks and enforcement operations before eventually branching out on his own.

In 2009, amid fractures within existing criminal groups, Oseguera helped establish the CJNG. Under his leadership, the cartel expanded at a staggering pace, gaining control of key smuggling corridors and ports. The organisation diversified its operations, trafficking methamphetamine, cocaine, heroin and increasingly fentanyl — a synthetic opioid that has been at the centre of a deadly overdose crisis in the United States.

What set the CJNG apart was not only its business reach but also its militarised structure. The cartel became known for its aggressive tactics, brazen public displays of weaponry and direct confrontations with security forces. In 2015, gunmen linked to the group shot down a Mexican military helicopter during an operation aimed at capturing El Mencho, underscoring the cartel’s firepower and willingness to challenge the state.

Oseguera cultivated a reputation for ruthlessness. The CJNG released propaganda-style videos showcasing heavily armed fighters and armored vehicles, projecting an image of strength designed to intimidate rivals and authorities alike. The group’s rapid territorial expansion often left a trail of violent clashes with competing cartels.

His growing influence made him a prime target for international law enforcement. The United States government announced a reward of up to $15 million for information leading to his capture, one of the largest bounties ever offered for a drug trafficker. Despite coordinated efforts by Mexican and US authorities, El Mencho managed to evade arrest for years, fueling his notoriety.

Security experts say his rise reflected a broader evolution in organised crime — where cartels operate with military-grade equipment, global supply chains and sophisticated financial networks. His eventual fate marked a significant chapter in Mexico’s long-running battle against drug violence, though analysts caution that dismantling a cartel’s leadership does not necessarily dissolve its structure.