The drug cartel roadblocks in Jalisco, Guanajuato, Michoacán, and Nayarit this Sunday, February 22, have one thing in common. Nemesio Oseguera, alias “El Mencho,” leader of the CJNG, was killed during an operation in Tapalpa, Jalisco.
Following the death of “El Mencho,” the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is left without its leader, but with new leaders who could be his successors.
Eduardo Guerrero, a columnist for El Financiero, believes that the CJNG, which emerged from “Los Torcidos”—members of the Sinaloa Cartel who switched sides—will face a process of fragmentation after the death of “El Mencho.”
The Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has its sights set on “El Sapo,” the drug trafficker favored by “El Mencho” to lead the CJNG.
One of the leaders who has gained prominence in recent years is Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán, alias “El Sapo.”
According to information from the Attorney General’s Office, Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán has the backing of “El Mencho’s” family members to lead the criminal activities of the Jalisco Cartel.
A month ago, authorities identified “El Sapo” in connection with the capture of four CJNG members in Jalisco and Nayarit.
“El Sapo” has also attracted the attention of U.S. authorities.
According to the U.S. Treasury Department, “Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán ‘El Sapo’ is a high-ranking member of the CJNG and is known for his recruitment strategies employed by the CJNG to increase its rank and file.”
In making that statement, U.S. authorities recalled the discovery of a CJNG recruitment camp in Teuchitlán, Jalisco, known as Rancho Izaguirre, which contained hundreds of articles of clothing, shoes, bags, and skeletal remains.
“It is said that the ranch was run by Mendoza, who ordered lieutenants to train new CJNG recruits and kill those who disobeyed orders. Mendoza has also been involved in the murder of numerous Mexican law enforcement officers,” they stated.
Furthermore, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) detailed that “El Sapo’s” leadership within the CJNG was confirmed after the arrest of José Gabriel Soto, alias “El Uber” and/or “Bravo.”
Information from federal authorities indicates that José Gabriel Soto was “under the direct orders of Hugo Gonzalo Mendoza, ‘El Sapo,’ considered one of the possible successors to the leadership of the CJNG.”
Through several reports, the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has insisted that “El Sapo” receives support from relatives of “El Mencho” to coordinate the operations of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
According to federal reports, “El Sapo” is in charge of operating armed cells as well as coordinating criminal activities. This internal validation positions him as a viable candidate to lead the CJNG.
Another possible successor to “El Mencho” as leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel could be Juan Carlos Valencia, “El 03,” who is the stepson of Nemesio Oseguera.
Some intelligence reports indicate that “El 03” is one of the masterminds of the CJNG following the capture of Rubén Oseguera González, better known as “El Menchito.”
Documents leaked by Guacamaya Leaks establish that Valencia González is in charge of the southeastern region of Jalisco, which includes municipalities such as Mazamitla, Jilotlán, and Tecalitlán, as well as Tecaltitla.
These same documents indicate that “El 03” is a bloodthirsty leader within the CJNG and one of its key operatives, having extended his area of operation into Colima.
“El 03” has also been identified as part of a network for importing and exporting cocaine and methamphetamine.
Juan Carlos Valencia González, “El 03,” is the son of Nemesio Oseguera and Rosalinda Valencia, who was released from prison in Morelos.
U.S. authorities are offering a $5 million reward for information leading to the capture of “El 03.”
Source: elfinanciero
