Treasury Department Targets Mencho’s Hideout in Tourist Cabins
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, has been a notorious figure in Mexico’s drug trade. His long-standing evasion of law enforcement came to an end on Sunday when he was killed during a military operation. El Mencho, who was nearing 60 years old, was found in a tourist area of Tapalpa, a location known for ecotourism.
Treasury Department’s Focus on Mencho’s Hideout
Tapalpa, nestled in the mountains of Jalisco, had previously been identified by the U.S. Department of the Treasury. A decade ago, it was linked to money laundering activities associated with the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and Los Cuinis.
The Operation Against El Mencho
On February 20, the operation began when authorities tracked El Mencho through a contact related to his partner. This lead pointed them to a group of cabins within a tourist complex situated close to hotels, a golf course, and hiking trails, only two hours from Guadalajara.
- Location: Tapalpa, Jalisco
- Operation Date: February 20
- El Mencho’s Age: Nearly 60
- Affiliation: CJNG
The military had limited time to plan, as El Mencho was accompanied by only a dozen guards. During the encounter, he attempted to hide among the sparse trees. Despite his efforts, he was found gravely injured, alongside two of his bodyguards.
The Aftermath
El Mencho succumbed to his injuries during his airlift to a hospital. The mayor of Tapalpa, Antonio Morales, expressed surprise at El Mencho’s presence in the area, stating he was unaware of the drug lord’s activities in his municipality. Local residents reported the sound of helicopters and gunfire during the military operation.
A History of Criminal Activity
Tapalpa, with a population of about 20,000, has been previously identified in U.S. documents as a site for drug-related financial operations. It was noted that a rental cabin business was being used for money laundering under the names Cabañas La Loma and Cabañas Flores.
The area remains tense, with community members concerned about potential retaliation from the CJNG. The future organization of the cartel and leadership following El Mencho’s death is uncertain.
The images captured during the military operation indicated that the largest cabin in the area was still under construction in 2023. Nearby, several hotels were unaware of any disturbance or claimed to have been closed for months.
