Mexico’s most wanted drug trafficker ‘El Mencho’ killed in military operation

Violence erupts across the country

Mexico City (Mexico) – Mexico’s armed forces have killed Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias ‘El Mencho’, one of the country’s most notorious and wanted drug traffickers, during an operation in Jalisco. He was considered among the world’s most wanted fugitives.

According to Mexico’s Ministry of Defence, El Mencho was seriously injured during the military action. He was being airlifted to Mexico City for treatment but died en route. Following his death, large-scale violence broke out in Jalisco and several other states, allegedly carried out by his supporters. Incidents of arson, vehicle burnings and highway blockades were reported.

🔥 El Mencho Eliminated: Mexico Erupts After Cartel Kingpin eliminated

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was killed in a Mexican military operation in Jalisco.

One of the world’s most wanted criminals, he carried a $15M… pic.twitter.com/2iRmNMiye2

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) February 23, 2026

The United States government had announced a reward of ₹136 crore for information leading to his capture. Former US President Donald Trump had designated his cartel as a terrorist organisation. The cartel is regarded as one of the most notorious criminal groups in Mexico and is said to operate across all 50 US states. Large quantities of narcotics are smuggled from Mexico into the United States.

Indian Embassy advises citizens to remain indoors

In view of the violence, the Indian Embassy in Mexico has issued an advisory to Indian nationals residing in the states of Jalisco, Tamaulipas, Michoacán, Guerrero and Nuevo León. They have been advised to remain indoors until further notice, stay alert, monitor local news, avoid unnecessary travel and contact emergency services at 911 in case of any difficulty.