Death of CJNG leader 'El Mencho' and cartel fallout (plus northward push)
Key Questions
What happened to CJNG leader 'El Mencho'?
El Mencho was killed in February 2026 during a US-Mexico operation, triggering succession disputes involving his stepson Menchito and the Manzanillo franchise. The event has led to fragmentation within the cartel.
Who is 'El 85' and what legal outcome did he face?
CJNG co-founder 'El 85' entered a guilty plea in a US cocaine conspiracy case with ties to the Bay Area and now faces life imprisonment. His conviction highlights ongoing US prosecutions of cartel leadership.
What new arrest was reported involving a CJNG commander?
Commander Flores was arrested in Chiapas while in possession of 1,500 pounds of cocaine. The capture underscores continued enforcement pressure on Jalisco New Generation Cartel figures.
'El Mencho' killed Feb 2026 US-Mex op; succession chaos (stepson/Menchito, Manzanillo franchise); co-founder 'El 85' guilty plea/facing life in prison US cocaine conspiracy (Bay Area ties); 'baby cartels' fragmentation/resilience/kingpin strategy failure; Cessnas/HSBC $881M/Doorstep fent/NY/Vancouver/Chicago Steel Trap; rivals Sinaloa; homicides down 32%; Chiapas/Guerrero drone bombs/violence driving migration via Guatemala; Jalisco graves torture MO. New: CJNG commander Flores arrested in Chiapas with 1,500 lbs cocaine.