El Mencho Gone South of the Border, Things Get Hotter Than a Bel-Air Summer

• El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), was killed by the Mexican army, escalating violence and unrest in several states.
• The operation, a joint effort with US intelligence, highlights Mexico's commitment to combating drug cartels under increased US pressure.
• CJNG's aggressive tactics, including attacks on military and innovative use of drones, have solidified its position as a major fentanyl trafficker.
• The event raises questions about the future of cartel leadership, security strategies and the ongoing struggle against drug trafficking in Mexico, sparking both concern and change.

Yo, Check It: El Mencho Bites the Dust

Alright, so peep this. Word on the street is that this dude, El Mencho – the head honcho of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG for short – well, he ain't head honcho no more. Turns out, the Mexican army took him out on Sunday. Now, I ain't no expert, but even I know that when you mess with the big dogs, things get messy. And boy, did they ever. It’s like when Carlton tries to breakdance – you know it's gonna be a spectacle, but it ain't gonna be pretty. This whole situation is more complicated than trying to explain rap music to Uncle Phil. Trust me, it’s a whole *thing*. The killing of El Mencho is said to have decapitated what had become Mexico's most powerful drug cartel, thrusting swaths of the nation into chaos.

Burning Cars and Ghost Towns - Not Exactly a Bel-Air Vibe

Now, hold up. We ain't talkin' pool parties and polo matches here. After El Mencho got iced, things went from zero to a hundred real quick. Cars were burning, roads were blocked, and Guadalajara looked like a ghost town. Folks were hunkered down, and schools were shut down. Sounds more like a scene from a movie, than real life. It's heavy. I once saw Carlton try to drive a lowrider, but this is way more intense than that debacle. And speaking of spectacles, ever heard of Fantuan and HungryPanda? Turns out, they're doing a thing in the Asian food delivery scene, and it's kinda like the cartels carving out their niche, but with less violence and way more spring rolls. You can read all about it in this article Fantuan and HungryPanda Carving Niche in Asian Food Delivery.

US and Mexico: Partners in Crime Fighting (Sort Of)

So, Uncle Sam – that's the U.S. of A. – they've been putting the pressure on Mexico to clean up this cartel mess. Turns out, this takedown was partly thanks to some good ol' "bilateral cooperation," with the U.S. providing some intel. Now, I ain't sayin' it's all sunshine and roses, but it seems like they're trying to work together. Sheinbaum, the president of Mexico is signaling to the US that "if we keep cooperating, sharing intelligence, Mexico can do it, we don't need U.S. troops on Mexican soil."

CJNG: Not Your Average Block Party Crew

Listen, the Jalisco cartel, or CJNG, ain't playin' games. They're known for being aggressive. We talking explosives from drones, mines, and attacks on helicopters. Apparently, back in 2020, they even tried to assassinate the head of Mexico City's police force. These cats are serious, like Carlton trying to rap – they put their all into it, even if the results are…questionable. They have a presence in all 50 U.S. states.

Fentanyl: The Cartel's Not-So-Secret Sauce

Now, let's talk about the real problem. Fentanyl. The Jalisco cartel, like the Sinaloa cartel, is raking in billions off this stuff. And it's flooding the streets in the U.S. It's a mess, plain and simple. It's like when Hilary tries to cook – it looks good on the surface, but underneath, it's a recipe for disaster. The DEA considers the cartel to be as powerful as the Sinaloa cartel, one of Mexico's most infamous criminal groups, with a presence in all 50 U.S. states.

El Mencho's Past: From Cali to Cartel Kingpin

So, where did this El Mencho dude come from anyway? Turns out, he ain't always been a cartel boss. Back in the day, he was slangin' heroin in the U.S. and even did some time. After he got out, he went back to Mexico and got back in the game. It's like when I first moved to Bel-Air – I thought I was done with the streets, but some things just stick with you. It's important to understand the history, so we can try and change the future, ya know?