The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) faces betrayal from its former allies Los Viagras in Michoacán following the killing of its leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, 'El Mencho', on February 22. This split has escalated territorial disputes in Uruapan and other key areas. Meanwhile, Mexican authorities investigate potential new CJNG leaders and report major drug seizures.
The death of 'El Mencho' on February 22 has triggered internal tensions within the CJNG, particularly in Michoacán. According to journalist Manuel Sánchez, during the hearing of 'El Congo', a criminal linked to the CJNG and the murder of Uruapan's former mayor Carlos Manzo, it was revealed that Los Viagras broke their alliance with the cartel. This family group, made up of brothers Nicolás, Rodolfo, Mariano, and Carlos Sierra, joined the CJNG in 2023 to seize territories from Cárteles Unidos, focusing on the Apatzingán-Nueva Italia-Uruapan region, a key drug trafficking corridor.
Los Viagras, a Michoacán-based criminal organization involved in methamphetamine and cocaine trafficking, also extorts avocado and citrus producers, ranchers, and entire communities. They have set up internet networks and demanded payments under threat of death, in addition to kidnappings and attacks on security forces.
In response to 'El Mencho's' death, Omar García Harfuch, Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, reported that Mexican authorities are investigating four potential CJNG leaders. 'We have identified several leaders, four specifically, who are under investigation,' he said. García Harfuch assured there will be no spike in violence and that national security is normalized.
Additionally, in a maritime operation off Acapulco, Guerrero, the Navy seized nearly 2 tons of cocaine in 80 bundles, over 200 nautical miles southwest. This seizure, coordinated with the Attorney General's Office and the Security Secretariat, adds to over 60 tons in President Claudia Sheinbaum's administration.
Amid this feud, Raquel Ceja, grandmother of Carlos Manzo, died in the early hours of March 9. Ceja participated in protests demanding justice for her grandson's murder, stating at a march: 'Kill me, I'm here. Kill me, I'm not afraid.' His widow, Grecia Quiroz, bid her farewell highlighting her strength.
Experts like Eduardo Guerrero Gutiérrez suggest immediate CJNG fragmentation is unlikely due to its institutionalized structure, diversified economic incentives, and pressure from rivals like Cárteles Unidos.
