A visit from a “romantic partner” led to the capture and death of one of Mexico’s most notorious drug lords, “El Mencho”, Mexico’s defence minister has said.
General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo said information from a confidante of one of the crime boss’s lovers helped officials quickly plan the raid at his hideout in Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco.
“El Mencho”, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), whose real name was Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, was wounded in the operation to capture him on Sunday and later died in a helicopter while being flown to Mexico City.
The US had offered a reward of up to $15m (£11m) for information leading to his arrest.
‘El Mencho’ killing live updates
The CJNG is known for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the US.
It was designated a foreign terrorist organisation by Donald Trump‘s administration in February 2025.
During the raid, cartel gunmen reportedly opened fire on security forces, before the fighting moved to a cabin complex in a wooded area, where the drug boss was wounded alongside two of his bodyguards.
The trio were transported by helicopter to Mexico City but “died on the way”, general Trevilla said.
He said several rocket launchers were found with them, but the men were not able to use them.
Eight cartel members were killed in the raid, he said, while grenades, ammo and armoured vehicles were seized.
Read more: Who is ‘El Mencho’ and why does his death matter?
Cartel members blocked roads, burned cars and carried out retaliatory attacks following El Mencho’s death. Pic: @morelifediares/Reuters
The operation sparked waves of violence across Mexico, as cartel members blocked roads, burned cars and carried out retaliatory attacks.
Mexico’s security minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said 25 members of the National Guard had been killed in six separate cartel attacks, as well as an agent from the state prosecutor’s office, a security guard and a woman he did not identify.
Members of the National Guard were deployed to the streets in the aftermath of the operation. Pic: AP
The crime boss’s death triggered “27 cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco,” Mr Garcia Harfuch said, adding that 30 cartel operatives were killed as well as one bystander. At least 70 people have been arrested in seven states.
“We are closely monitoring for any kind of reaction or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to violence,” he added.
Firefighters at the scene of an arson attack in Puerto Vallarta. Pic: Reuters
Smoke billows into the sky following a wave of violence. Pics: Reuters
On Monday, Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the armed forces and said the country was now “at peace” and “calm”, adding that none of the 250-plus roadblocks across 20 states remained.
She said the most important thing now was to guarantee peace and security for the entire population of Mexico.
The White House has confirmed that the US provided intelligence to support the operation and applauded Mexico’s army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries.
The UK Foreign Office urged Britons in Mexico to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.
A spokesperson said: “You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities’ advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas.”
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