On 22 February 2026, Mexican military forces killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the notorious drug lord who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), in a security operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco, Mexico.
With key United States intelligence support and a $15 million (£11.09 million) reward on offer for information leading to his capture, the takedown of one of the world's most wanted criminals marked a major moment in the long-running war against transnational drug trafficking and organised crime.
Mexican Army special forces, backed by the National Guard and supported by complementary intelligence from US agencies, launched theraid in the mountainous town of Tapalpa, which has been long regarded as a CJNG stronghold.
During the operation, El Mencho was wounded in the ensuing firefight and later died from his injuries while being evacuated by helicopter to a medical facility. Six other cartel members were also killed and two arrested.
The Talpalpa raid triggered violent reprisals by suspected cartel supporters across several states, with reports of roadblocks and burning vehicles in Jalisco, Guanajuato and neighbouring regions as authorities worked to reassert control.
El Mencho, about 60 years old at the time of his death, headed the CJNG, which had grown into one of Mexico's most powerful and violent criminal groups. The cartel was heavily involved in the production and distribution of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States and beyond, making him a top priority target for both Mexican and US law enforcement. El Mencho died on Sunday after being seriously injured in clashes with security forces, as reported by theBBC.
He had been indicted in the United States on multiple drug trafficking charges and was one of the most sought-after fugitives, with a longstanding $15 million (£11.09 million) reward offered by the US State Department's Narcotics Rewards Programme for information leading to his arrest or conviction.
The US State Department's Narcotics Rewards Programme is designed to incentivise individuals to provide actionable information that leads to the arrest or conviction of major international narcotics traffickers whose activities directly affect the United States.
Only the Secretary of State, with concurrence from the US Attorney General when federal jurisdiction is involved, can authorise and pay out rewards, and the process typically involves verification of the provided intelligence before any payment is made.
In the case of El Mencho, the $15 million (£11.09 million) reward applied to information that could have helped locate or capture him. With his death now confirmed, it remains to be determined who may be eligible to claim the reward, and whether that payment will proceed.
Source: International Business Times UK
