Mexico saw an 11.9% increase in international visitors in March, even as the security operation to capture Sinaloa Cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes led to widespread travel cancellations.
Juan Carlos Valencia González has been named the successor to 'El Mencho' as the head of the Jalisco cartel. His American origins could complicate US efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking.
Mexican special forces have arrested Audias Flores, known as "El Jardinero," a high-ranking leader and successor to "El Mencho" in the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He was captured while attempting to flee and had a $5 million bounty on his head.
Social media publications accuse Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum of abandoning Mexico for security reasons following the death of drug lord El Mencho, prompting a fact-check on the claims.
Juan Carlos Valencia González, an American citizen born in Santa Ana, California, is reportedly ascending as the successor to 'El Mencho' in the Jalisco cartel, a development that could complicate the US battle against drug trafficking.
On Feb. 20, military intelligence discovered the location of a "trusted man" and chauffeur of El Mencho's romantic partner. On Sunday, the Army arrested him.
The post Army arrests key cartel operative who exposed location of ‘El Mencho’ appeared first on Mexico News Daily
Key figures of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Erick Valencia ('El 85') and Abigael González ('El Cuini'), are expected to plead guilty and cooperate with US justice following an operation targeting 'El Mencho,' signaling a decline for the cartel's old guard.
Death of cartel kingpin 'El Mencho' marks major win against fentanyl trafficking, but expert says sustained pressure is still needed to combat cartels.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum's approval rating has risen to 71%, recovering from slight declines. An Enkoll poll for EL PAÍS indicates strong public support for the downfall of drug lord 'El Mencho' and electoral reform.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' founder of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was buried in Guadalajara with a golden coffin and five trucks of flowers.
The youngest daughter of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho,' has chosen a surprisingly 'innocent' profession, working in a coffee shop, despite her father's violent drug trafficking activities.
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the notorious drug lord known as 'El Mencho', was reportedly buried in a gold-plated coffin in a small cemetery near Guadalajara, Mexico, under strict security measures after being killed by the army.
Drug lord 'El Mencho' was given a lavish funeral in Guadalajara, complete with a golden coffin and military escort, following his death which sparked violent clashes.
Family members are avoiding making statements and public appearances for their safety, while the local Congress is debating an initiative to prohibit missing persons posters in some areas of…
The notorious Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera was laid to rest in a simple grave Monday in a ceremony that featured trucks overflowing with flowers, traditional music and dozens of masked soldiers in armored vehicles.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum achieved a significant victory with the killing of cartel boss 'El Mencho'. However, the article suggests that to truly defeat cartels, the root causes of their societal entrenchment and recruitment must be addressed.
This story details the brutal ascent and eventual downfall of El Mencho, Mexico's most powerful cartel leader, whose reign ended after a critical error.
Friday's presidential press conference in Mexico focused on the potential successor to 'El Mencho' of the Jalisco cartel, recent cartel arrests, military casualties, and a decline in Sinaloa's homicide rate.
The policy of targeting top cartel bosses in Mexico, such as El Mencho, has often led to brutal reprisals and increased violence as new leaders emerge.
Following the death of 'El Mencho,' the Mexican president emphasizes Mexico's autonomy while navigating multiple challenges, including powerful cartels and relations with Donald Trump.
The death of the head of a criminal group from Jalisco state triggered retaliation from his gang in at least a dozen Mexican states. What now awaits this country and powerful cartels?
The killing of Nemesio Oseguera, also known as 'El Mencho,' is seen as a victory for the Mexican government, but concerns remain that the fight to succeed him could ignite a new wave of violence.
With 'El Mencho' at the helm of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), three scenarios are being considered for who might succeed him, potentially filling a power vacuum in the criminal organization.
Prior to his assassination, drug lord 'El Mencho' was reportedly with his partner in Tapalpa, a forested area known for its luxurious accommodations near Guadalajara, Jalisco.
An expert on drug trafficking discusses 'El Mencho', his connections to Italy, and the implications of a crackdown against him for Mexico, signaling a new 'zero impunity' strategy.
Mexican drug cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as 'El Mencho', spent his final days at a two-story villa in the exclusive, gated Tapalpa Country Club with one of his lovers.
A Mexican city has turned into a 'war zone' following the death in custody of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho,' shortly after his arrest during a bloody armed conflict in Jalisco.
The Mexican city of Jalisco became a war zone following the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho', shortly after his arrest during a bloody armed conflict, with the Mexican president praising special forces for his capture.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum is considering legal action against Tesla CEO Elon Musk for accusing her of parroting cartel directives. Musk's remarks followed Sheinbaun's rejection of a militarized "war on narcos," despite a recent operation that killed top cartel leader El Mencho.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that she spoke on the phone with US President Donald Trump after the death of powerful drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as “El Mencho”, n
Rumors are circulating that the location of drug lord El Mencho was tracked thanks to his partner, with many speculating she might be a known OnlyFans model.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Tuesday she is considering legal action following a comment by tech billionaire Elon Musk, the world’s richest man, that alleged she was connected to drug cartels. Musk’s post on X followed the capture and killing of Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera, “El Mencho,” by Mexican security […]
México vive onda de violência após El Mencho, líder do poderoso cartel CJNG, ter morrido numa operação militar. Estrutura criminosa traficava droga e estava em mais de 40 países. Sucessão é incógnita.
Despite hopes for de-escalation after the death of 'El Mencho,' a 41-year-old US-born step-son of the drug lord has emerged as his likely successor, according to a New York Post report.
Reports indicate the death of top Mexican drug lord 'El Mencho,' leading to cartels using fake news to spread fear. Questions remain about the future of the fentanyl trade in Mexico and the US.
Luxury furniture, neatly folded clothes, plenty of food, an altar — and a handwritten version of Psalm 91. Here's what else reporters found inside the property where the CJNG cartel boss was found.
The post Inside El Mencho’s last hideout in Tapalpa, Jalisco appeared first on Mexico News Daily
Captures and killings of cartel leaders serve a strategic purpose of showing that something is being done but the effectiveness of such policies in the long run is very limited, says an academic.
Ett av världens största narkotikanätverk har förlorat sin ledare. En maktkamp om vem som tar över efter knarkbaronen ”El Mencho” pågår. ”Det blir rörelse i leden”, säger latinamerikaexperten Andrés Ri
The White House has issued a warning to Mexican drug cartels not to harm American citizens, stating they will 'pay dearly' if they do, following the reported death of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes.
Kick streamer Nermin “Cheesur” deleted his X Community after a viral post claimed he helped Mexican forces target El Mencho. The post reached 3.2 million views before being removed. Cheesur denied the rumor during a livestream and said fans had turned on him. Cameron “Cuffem” also defended him, calling the backlash toxic and harmful.
Tourists recounted the terror they experienced in Mexico during a wave of violence that erupted following the death of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho'. One witness described filming in case they died.
Criada para mapear e desmantelar redes de cartéis de droga, a força norte-americana JITF-CC compilou um dossiê detalhado com informações sobre El Mencho, que foi capturado pelas forças mexicanas.
Cartel Kingpin "El Mencho" Dead. Here's A Shortlist Of Possible Successors
Mexico's most wanted cartel boss was killed Sunday in a Mexican military operation reportedly supported by U.S. intelligence; however, the emergence of potential successors indicates the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is not at the end of its road, only suggesting the decapitation strike is more likely to drive short-term fragmentation and retaliatory or spillover risks.
Local outlet Político MX rep...
Mexican authorities have detailed the operation that led to the capture and death of drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho,' after an intelligence tip about his romantic relationships led them to his hideout.
Mexican authorities arrested Audias Flores Silva, known as 'El Jardinero' (The Gardener), a prominent drug lord this week. He was considered a potential successor to 'El Mencho', the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who was killed in February.
Mexican authorities have captured several top criminals, including a high-ranking associate of cartel leader 'El Mencho', in a significant blow to organized crime.
A family trail reportedly links bosses of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in California, with Juan Carlos Valencia González, poised to become the new leader, having been born in Santa Ana.
Mexico and the United States have identified Juan Carlos Valencia González, 41, as the likely successor to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). The stepson of 'El Mencho,' his criminal lineage is noted in his rise to lead the CJNG’s Elite Group.
Social media publications are circulating a video purportedly showing destruction in a Mexican city following the death of CJNG cartel leader El Mencho, prompting questions about its authenticity.
Journalists from Milenio and El Universal gained access to a house believed to be the final hideout of CJNG leader 'El Mencho' following a military operation, finding documents that appear to detail the cartel's monthly operating expenses, raising questions about security protocols.
The decades-long war on drugs, initiated by Nixon, has devolved into a geopolitical quagmire. The recent death of cartel leader El Mencho, hailed as a victory, quickly led to widespread chaos, demonstrating how successes in combating drug trafficking often breed deeper crises and more violence across Latin America.
Líder do Cartel Jalisco Nova Geração foi sepultado num caixão dourado, numa cerimónia que contou com canções populares que exaltam figuras do narcotráfico. Forças de segurança estiveram no local.
“I could stand in the middle of Tehran and shoot somebody, and I wouldn’t lose any voters.” - Donald Trump (maybe)
The post El Jalapeño: Trump suggests ‘El Mencho’ would be ‘tremendous’ leader for…
A lavish funeral was held for Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, the alleged fentanyl king, featuring a golden coffin, numerous flowers, and a band playing rancheras and narcocorridos.
El Mencho, the leader of one of Mexico's most powerful cartels, was buried on Monday in a lavish golden coffin, accompanied by large floral wreaths and a significant presence of mourners.
One of the world's most powerful drug lords, El Mencho, was buried in a lavish golden coffin on Monday, accompanied by large wreaths and a strong military presence.
The funeral for the leader of the CJNG cartel, known as 'El Mencho', was held in Zapopan, Guadalajara, with significant security presence and floral tributes honoring his nickname.
Mexican military and National Guard forces have secured the perimeter of a funeral home where cartel leader 'El Mencho' is reportedly resting, with dozens of vehicles and a helicopter deployed.
Mexico's most wanted criminal is dead, his cartel is leaderless and the race to replace him has already begun — here's your guide to the week that changed Mexico's security landscape.
The post Mexico’s week in review: The fall of El Mencho appeared first on Mexico News Daily
El Mencho, leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and a major fentanyl supplier, died from injuries sustained during an attack on his residence on February 22.
Fires are still burning in the Mexican town of Tapalpa four days after the cartel boss known as 'El Mencho' made his last stand.
The Guardian correspondent Tom Phillips drove to the locations of…
Following the death of 'El Mencho,' the Mexican president underscored Mexico's autonomy in its ongoing battles with cartels and its stance against former US President Trump, noting the multiple fronts the government faces.
The death of a criminal group leader from Jalisco state, known as El Mencho, has sparked retaliatory violence from his gang across at least a dozen Mexican states, raising questions about the future of violence and powerful cartels in the country.
An OnlyFans model reacted to rumors that she was the lover of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the most wanted Mexican drug lord known as 'El Mencho', who was reportedly killed in an operation.
O vedetă de pe site-urile pentru adulți a devenit și mai faimoasă, pentru că e suspectată că a ajutat la capturarea temutului lider narcotraficant El Mencho din Mexic.
The death of Mexico's most wanted drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho,' has created a power vacuum, turning neighborhoods into war zones with bodies and threatening messages appearing everywhere.
OnlyFans star Maria Julissa has denied claims that she was responsible for Mexican security forces discovering the location of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, the deceased leader of the New Generation Jalisco cartel.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and Donald Trump had an eight-minute phone call to discuss the situation in Mexico following the death of drug lord 'El Mencho'.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised special forces for "neutralizing" the country's most wanted drug lord, known as "El Mencho," who died in custody on Sunday, shortly after
Hours after Mexico's powerful drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as El Mencho, died in custody after his arrest in a bloody operation in the state of Jalisco.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum spoke with US President Donald Trump by phone following the death of powerful drug lord Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho,' during a deadly military operation.
Mexican President Sheinbaum revealed she spoke with U.S. President Trump following the fatal wounding of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader 'El Mencho' during a military operation.
Following reports that Mexican authorities located cartel leader 'El Mencho' by tracking his 'romantic partner,' speculation has arisen about the woman's identity, leading a well-known Mexican figure to deny unfounded accusations.
Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office has received a written request from a legal representative and will begin the protocol required to complete all procedures related to the custody of the deceased cartel boss
Days after the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," attention has turned to his potential successor and new leader of the Jalisco Cartel. A California-born stepson of the drug lord is reportedly in line to succeed him.
A mistress is said to have unknowingly led authorities to the cartel boss. Now rumors are circulating that María Julissa is the said mistress. She vehemently defends herself against this.
The villa where Mexican drug lord 'El Mencho' was captured has been found in disarray and filled with medicines, suggesting a chaotic scene following his apprehension.
The two-storey residence at No. 39 with stone walls and a red-tiled roof served as a discreet hideout for El Mencho, the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who died on Sunday after a military ambush in the woods behind the home.
Mexico reports Jalisco security stabilized after cartel violence following kingpin "El Mencho's" reported death, with flights resuming to Puerto Vallarta.
Mexico City authorities have deployed 5,000 agents and convened a permanent Security Cabinet session to prevent cartel violence following a recent operation against the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Authorities in Mexico City are taking measures to prevent cartel violence, while arson attacks and narco-blockades continue in Jalisco following reports of 'El Mencho's' death.
Washington confirma ausência de norte-americanos feridos, raptados ou mortos na vaga de violência desencadeada pelo Cartel de Jalisco. México mobilizou 10.000 soldados para conter distúrbios.
Other criminal groups in Mexico may try to take advantage of the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as El Mencho, who ran the Jalisco New Generation Cartel.
Najveći narko-boss u Meksiku Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, nadaleko poznat kao "El Mencho", ubijen je 22. februara 2026. godine tokom velike vojne operacije u Tapalpi, Jalisco.
President Trump has demanded President Claudia Sheinbaum confront the cartels. The killing of “El Mencho” suggests it might be working — but could come at a cost.
Veteran-led rescue group is mobilizing a "war-zone level" operation as Americans face danger from Jalisco cartel unrest after "El Mencho's" reported death.
Mexican authorities have arrested notorious drug lord 'El Jardinero' (The Gardener), a successor to 'El Mencho,' during a significant military operation. The arrest has prompted fears of potential retaliation from his cartel.
In a significant operation, the Mexican army arrested 'El Jardinero,' a top-ranking member of the CJNG drug cartel and a potential successor to the notorious drug lord 'El Mencho,' who was found hiding in a ditch.
Erick Valencia Salazar, a co-founder of one of Mexico's deadliest gangs and former partner to 'El Mencho,' has pleaded guilty in a US court. He now faces a sentence of 10 years to life in prison following a plea deal.
Mexico is increasing security measures for the 2026 World Cup due to ongoing threats from criminal organizations, following the recent killing of drug lord El Mencho in a special forces operation.
Significant questions and gaps remain in the narrative surrounding the downfall of cartel kingpin El Mencho, including the Attorney General Office’s failure to secure the site and doubts about the future of the CJNG.
Reporters gained access to the home of cartel leader El Mencho following a military operation, raising questions about security protocols and media access.
Beyond acronyms and groups, and the unequal territorial control they exert, the death of El Mencho demonstrates the intensification of operations against crime in the country, under the watchful eye of the United States
In Winchester, California, locals are uneasy about Jessica Oseguera Gonzalez, daughter of a cartel chief, who bought a mansion and made lavish renovations.
With El Mencho buried and Jalisco stabilizing, Mexico turned its attention to election reform and World Cup preparations. Didn't catch every story? Here's what you missed the first week of March.
The post Mexico’s week in review: El Mencho’s burial, a sinking peso and the World Cup countdown appeared first on Mexico News Daily
Mexico News Daily's podcast, 'Confidently Wrong,' releases new episodes sharing insider perspectives and firsthand accounts from Jalisco residents on the state of Mexico following the fall of cartel leader El Mencho.
Mexico’s top security official helped bring down one of the world’s most feared drug lords. The victory came at a price that still defines how he lives.
For nearly six years, Omar...
Mariachis and local officials welcomed more than 4,000 tourists aboard the Norweigan Bliss, as normal cruise traffic begins to return to the Pacific port city.
The post Puerto Vallarta rolls out the…
The leader of Mexico's most prominent drug cartel, 'El Mencho,' was buried in a golden coffin after dying from injuries sustained in a shootout with special forces.
Mexican security forces have killed powerful drug lord El Mencho, a significant blow to cartels. However, this triumph could be short-lived as it threatens to ignite an even bloodier war in Mexico.
Drug lord 'El Mencho' was buried in a gilded coffin under massive security measures in Mexico, with dozens of soldiers and police officers present at the funeral, his modest grave located near a summer football championship venue.
The funeral of notorious drug lord Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho' and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was held in Mexico under heavy military and police presence.
The funeral of Jalisco cartel leader 'El Mencho', reportedly killed in a special operation, was held in Guadalajara with a strong police presence to prevent gang retaliations.
Though the vast majority of the car thefts took place in the three states where most of the unrest happened (Jalisco, Michoacán and Nayarit), the spike that occurred following the Feb. 22 operation was a nationwide phenomenon.
The post More than 600 vehicles were stolen in the aftermath of El Mencho’s takedown appeared first on Mexico News Daily
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel and its elusive leader, 'El Mencho', have become more widely known outside Mexico, raising questions about the cartel's succession.
Mexican authorities have reportedly returned the body of cartel boss 'El Mencho' to his relatives, indicating a significant development in organized crime news.
A report from Mexico details the aftermath of the death of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho', describing a region where children aspire to be narcos and forensic experts identify dismembered bodies.
Four journalists share their methods for cultivating sources, verifying claims, and ensuring safety while reporting on dangerous criminal organizations, following the death of El Mencho.
It’s been a week that began in silence in Independence Square, where European leaders laid flowers for Ukraine’s war dead — even as the fighting grinds on in the east, across vast drone-dominated…
An expat in Mexico, Charlotte Smith, writes an opinion piece arguing that social media and AI have conspired to make the violence in Mexico following El Mencho's death appear worse than her lived reality.
Tapalpa deserted and scared by day of terror in which feared drug lord’s reign came to an end during military raid
Two days before one of the world’s most powerful drug lords was killed while trying to flee a chalet in the hills outside Mexico’s second biggest city, the Tapalpa Country Club posted an advert on Instagram inviting lovers to visit a place where they could “inhale peace [and] exhale stress”.
“Date idea: Escape to Tapalpa,” read the message, advertising romantic private cabins, pi...
Mexican authorities reported killing Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, leader of the Jalisco New Generation cartel, leading to a tense atmosphere and retaliatory attacks with burning cars.
An article examines the deep entrenchment and real history of Mexican drug cartels, tracing their evolution from cocaine transporters to global criminal organizations, referencing the death of 'El Mencho' as a point exposing their power.
An analysis of the ongoing fight against drug trafficking in Colombia and Mexico, drawing lessons from figures like Pablo Escobar to the recent fall of El Mencho, highlights the transnational nature of organized crime.
The luxurious but chaotic hideout where notorious Mexican drug lord, Nemesio 'El Mencho' Oseguera Cervantes, spent his last days reveals a completely different picture…
The killing of 'El Mencho' has reportedly ended a years-long truce between the Mexican government and drug cartels, raising concerns about a potential war among cartels. The article explores who the drug lord was and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said yesterday, Wednesday, 25/2, that she had a phone call with Donald Trump, after the death of the powerful drug lord Nemesio Oseguera – prob
El Mencho or Nemesio Oseguera, the leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) was killed in a military operation after a tip from his girlfriend.
The elimination of notorious cartel leader 'El Mencho' has plunged Mexico into a new, more chaotic phase of the drug war, as powerful cartels violently redraw the map of power.
An opinion piece discusses how the reported death of "El Mencho" has negatively impacted Mexico's international image, arguing that the country's positive aspects should still shine through.
Mexican influencer and OnlyFans model Maria Julissa has vehemently denied rumors that she was the partner who led authorities to the notorious drug lord 'El Mencho'.
Nach der Tötung des Drogenbosses «El Mencho» erlebt Mexiko eine Gewaltwelle. Das könnte auch die Sicherheit an der Fussball-Weltmeisterschaft im Sommer beeinträchtigen.
Turisté ubytovaní v Tapalpa Country Clubu na západě Mexika neměli ponětí, že mezi hosty luxusního hotelu byl i drogový baron Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes známý jako El Mencho. To se však změnilo v
Mexican cartels are reportedly using social media to spread disinformation and exaggerate violence following the death of leader El Mencho, aiming to create an impression of chaos in the country.
A report reveals that AI and bots, along with far-right figures in the United States, were used to spread false content regarding the operation that led to the capture of Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader 'El Mencho'.
The assassination of Nemesio Oseguera, known as 'El Mencho,' a powerful drug lord, is expected to create a power vacuum in the North American drug industry, potentially leading to increased conflict among cartels in Mexico.
Mexico's Navy deploys 103 Marines and tactical vehicles to Jalisco after cartel leader "El Mencho" killed, as authorities brace for prolonged violence and power struggles.
Rosalinda González Valencia, 63-godišnja udovica Nemesija Oseguere Cervantesa, poznatog kao "El Mencho", ponovno je u fokusu javnosti nakon što je vođa kartela Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) ubijen u s
With the killing of "El Mencho," the Mexican government seems to have ended its truce with the country's drug cartels. Who was the drug boss, and what is the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, or CJNG?
After Mexican forces killed the country's most wanted cartel leader on Sunday, false accounts of spectacular violence swept across social media, fueled by what researchers say was a coordinated propaganda campaign by organised crime.
Glasine koje su od jučer počele kružiti društvenim mrežama dovele su u središte pozornosti meksičku influencericu Mariju Julissu. Mnogi tvrde da je navodno bila u vezi s narko-bosom El Menchom i da je
Pelo menos 25 membros da Guarda Nacional foram mortos e há relatos de estradas cortadas por grupos armados, supermercados, bancos e veículos incendiados.
Mexiko se potýká s brutální vlnou násilí, kterou vyvolala smrt drogového bosse Nemesia Oseguery, známého spíše jako “El Mencho”. Nejhledanějšího zločince stála život láska - policistům se ho podařilo
After tracking El Mencho’s lover to his lair, Mexican special forces launched an operation by air and land, leading to two shootouts that left the drug boss mortally wounded.
Mexico is stepping up its efforts against drug trafficking, responding to US warnings, with reports suggesting the pursuit of cartel leader 'El Mencho' could mark a turning point in the fight against narcos.