Almost four months after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, alias “El Mencho”, the Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, affirmed that the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has sustained its operation through already established regional leaders. That structure, he said, prevented an escalation of violence.
CJNG operation after the death of ‘El Mencho’
During the morning conference at the National Palace, the official explained that the authorities identified a clear territorial division within the group.
“They have very identified regional leaders, with very marked territories. That also allowed in one way or another that there was no lack of control or excessive violence,” he noted.
García Harfuch indicated that after the death of Oseguera Cervantes, the federal forces continued with operations and captures of relevant members.
“Subsequently, there continued to be arrests by the Security, Defense and Navy Cabinet, and regional leaders continue to have arrest warrants; some for extradition purposes,” he explained.
Regarding the links with the Sinaloa Cartel, the secretary maintained that the main connection was “Mencho” himself with one of its factions.
“Mainly it was the leader himself, the main leader, who was the direct link with a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, specifically with Los Chapos. We have not identified that at the moment,” he stated.
Asked if Juan Carlos Valencia González, stepson of Oseguera Cervantes, assumed leadership – as reported by an American media in April – García Harfuch recognized him as one of the most relevant commanders.
“He is definitely one of the strongest regional leaders that the criminal group has,” he said.
The secretary also presented an assessment of the security operation for the World Cup. He said that it has worked successfully throughout the country, with coordinated work with the federal entities. “At the moment we are doing well in all the states of the Republic and we will continue that way,” he concluded.
