Why Killing A Mexican Drug Lord Led To Total Chaos

Forbes Business

by Natasha Lindstaedt, Contributor

February 24, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

The death of El Mencho, a prominent leader of the CJNG drug cartel, sparked widespread violence in Mexico, raising questions about whether targeting high-ranking cartel members actually reduces crime or merely shifts power among rival groups. The killing disrupted the cartel's hierarchy, leading to internal conflicts and retaliatory attacks across the country. This escalation highlights the unpredictable nature of organized crime and challenges the Mexican government’s strategy of eliminating key figures to weaken cartels. Mexican drug cartels are deeply rooted in lucrative industries such as drug trafficking, extortion, and human smuggling, which generate billions annually. The removal of a leader like El Mencho creates power vacuums that weaker factions or rival groups often fill, intensifying competition and violence. This dynamic was evident after his death, with CJNG members clashing with other cartels and even fighting among themselves over control. The resulting chaos underscores how the drug trade’s economic stakes drive brutal competition. From a business perspective, the ongoing violence disrupts local economies, scares away foreign investment, and strains international relations with countries like the U.S., which relies on Mexico for trade and security cooperation. Businesses operating in Mexico face increased risks due to instability, reduced consumer confidence, and higher costs associated with safety measures. The economic impact of cartel-related violence is significant, affecting industries from agriculture to tourism and contributing to broader regional insecurity. The effectiveness of Mexico’s strategy to dismantle cartels by targeting leaders remains unclear. While removing key figures

Verticals

businessfinance

Originally published on Forbes Business on 2/24/2026