Who was El Mencho, the former police officer who co-founded an ultraviolent cartel in Mexico?
The Guardian World
by Staff and agenciesFebruary 23, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The death of "El Mencho," a former police officer who co-founded the ultraviolent Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has sent shockwaves through Mexico and beyond. El Mencho, whose real name was Ignacio Acosta Gallegos, was killed by Mexican special forces on Sunday in what appears to be a significant blow to the cartel's operations. Known for its brutal tactics and military-grade weaponry, the CJNG had become one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations, rivaling even the renowned Sinaloa Cartel.
El Mencho and his co-founder, Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, established the CJNG in the early 2000s as a breakaway group from the Miliceña drug cartel. Over time, the CJNG gained notoriety for its aggressive approach to expanding its territory and dominating the drug trade. Unlike other cartels, the CJNG operated with a highly militarized structure, often engaging in open conflicts with both rival gangs and law enforcement. This ultraviolent reputation earned them a fearsome reputation across Mexico.
El Mencho's rise to power was not typical for a drug lord. Before becoming a criminal leader, he served as a police officer in Jalisco state, where he allegedly used his position to facilitate his eventual entry into the world of organized crime. After escaping custody following an initial arrest, El Mencho joined forces with Rubén Oseguera Cervantes to form the CJNG, leveraging his law enforcement experience to build a cartel that thrived on discipline and firepower.
The CJNG's influence extended far beyond Mexico's borders, as it became a major player in the global drug trade. The group was known for its control over key trafficking routes and its ability to supply large quantities of illegal drugs to international markets. El Mencho's leadership was central to this success, as he maintained a strict hierarchy within the cartel and implemented strategies that prioritized both territorial expansion and intimidation.
The killing of El Mencho is seen as a major victory for Mexican authorities in their ongoing fight against organized crime. His death may weaken the CJNG's structure and operations, potentially leading to internal conflicts within the cartel. However, it also underscores the challenges Mexico faces in its
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Originally published on The Guardian World on 2/23/2026