Mexican authorities hunt remaining leaders of notorious drug cartels

Mexican authorities have confirmed the killing of Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho”, during an operation to arrest him in Jalisco state on Sunday. The leader of Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel was reportedly killed during a military operation.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has praised the security forces involved in the operation. In response to Oseguera’s death, armed cartel members have launched attacks across the country, with gunmen blocking highways and torching cars.

Several high-ranking cartel leaders remain at large, including Zambada Sicairos, a leader within the Sinaloa Cartel’s La Mayiza faction, who is believed to be controlling drug distribution and narcotics networks that supply the US. His family members, including brothers, are also involved in the drug trade and have risen through the ranks.

Another senior leader, Guzman Salazar, son of Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, has taken over as coleader of the Sinaloa Cartel alongside other family members since his father’s arrest in 2016. He is believed to be directing drug operations, including fentanyl and methamphetamine shipments to the US.

Meza Flores was added to the FBI’s 10 most wanted fugitives list this month for his alleged role as head of the Meza Flores cartel in Sinaloa. Authorities have arrested him on multiple occasions but none led to his imprisonment. He is accused of trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, cocaine, and heroin into the US and Mexico.

Mejia-Gonzalez, a longtime senior member of the Gulf Cartel’s Los Rojos faction, has a $15m reward on his head by the US Department of State for his role in coordinating international cocaine trafficking. His criminal career dates back to 2006, when he allegedly distributed over 2 tonnes of cocaine in Dallas.

US authorities are offering up to $5m for information leading to Mejia-Gonzalez’s arrest. The Mexican government has not commented on the status of these fugitives or their alleged involvement in cartel activities.

Source: Al Jazeera