Mexican authorities have revealed that the downfall of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, alias El Mencho, was triggered by information given by his romantic relationships.
According to officials, information provided by a confidante of one of Oseguera’s romantic partners led security forces to his hideout in the small town of Tapalpa, in Jalisco state. The information allowed authorities to swiftly plan a military raid that ended with the death of the notorious cartel leader.
The operation, carried out early Sunday by Mexican special forces, triggered widespread retaliatory violence across the country. At least 62 people were killed in the raid and subsequent clashes, including 25 members of the National Guard and 34 suspected gang members. Cartel loyalists also set vehicles ablaze, erecting more than 80 roadblocks across over a dozen states.
Defense Minister Ricardo Trevilla said the tip-off from someone close to Oseguera’s romantic circle enabled authorities to act quickly. During the raid, gunmen loyal to the cartel opened fire, forcing security forces into a prolonged confrontation in a wooded cabin area where Oseguera and two bodyguards were critically wounded.
They were later airlifted to Mexico City but died en route, officials said.
President Claudia Sheinbaum said the security situation was gradually returning to normal, even as troops were deployed to reinforce Jalisco, the stronghold of Oseguera’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Authorities described Oseguera’s death as a major blow to organized crime, though they warned it could spark further violence amid ongoing power struggles within Mexico’s criminal networks.