El Mencho’s Death And What It Means for CJNG and Chicago

Chicago’s High Demand For Illegal Substances

The recent death of Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), has marked a shift in the global drug trade that has flooded the streets of Chicago. As Mexico’s fastest growing criminal organization, the CJNG has spent years battling the Sinaloa Cartel for full control of organized crime. Chicago is one of the biggest states in demand for fentanyl, meth, and cocaine.

The Power Vacuum and Chicago’s Streets

Law enforcement experts have warned that the death of El Mencho will rarely stop the flow of drugs; instead it will trigger a violent realignment. In Chicago, the CJNG operates through a sophisticated local cell that manages wholesale distribution to street gangs. Without El Mencho’s as the leader these local street gangs may fracture or become targets for the Sinaloa Cartel takeover. This succession war will lead to local violence as street level dealers fight to secure new supply or defend their territory from rivals that sense weakness.

Impact on Drug Supply

The CJNG is a primary supplier of the fentanyl fueling the U.S. overdose crisis. While the Mexican military’s successful operation was supported by U.S. intelligence as a tactical victory. Even with the death of El Mencho the cartel’s infrastructure remains intact. Other cartels like “Los Cuinis” continue to manage billions in laundered assets. As long as the demand in Chicago remains high, a new cartel leader will emerge to keep the product moving.

This instability can lead to a surge in gang wars across the South and West side of Chicago. The violence will increase as gangs fight to secure the remaining inventory of fentanyl and meth. The death of El Mencho does little to address the high demand of illegal substances. Without the significant reduction in local consumption, the Chicago market ensures that international trafficking routes will remain active.

Sources:

ABC 7: What death of cartel leader ‘El Mencho’ in Mexico means for flow of drugs, violence into Chicago

The Guardian: Shell-shocked and tense: inside the Mexican tourist town where ‘El Mencho’ made his last stand

Featured Image Courtesy of Marko Pilo Flickr Page – Creative Commons License

Inset Image Courtesy of Byung Kyu Park Flickr Page – Creative Commons License