Mexican drug lord 'El Mencho' was killed after visit from 'romantic partner', say officials

A visit from a "romantic partner" led to the capture and death of one of Mexico's most notorious drug lords, "El Mencho", Mexico's defence minister has said.

General Ricardo Trevilla Trejo said information from a confidante of one of the crime boss's lovers helped officials quickly plan the raid at his hideout in Tapalpa, in the state of Jalisco.

"El Mencho", the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), whose real name was Nemesio Ruben Oseguera Cervantes, was wounded in the operation to capture him on Sunday and later died in a helicopter while being flown to Mexico City.

The US had offered a reward of up to $15m (£11m) for information leading to his arrest.

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The CJNG is known for trafficking large quantities of fentanyl, methamphetamine and cocaine into the US.

It was designated a foreign terrorist organisation by Donald Trump's administration in February 2025.

During the raid, cartel gunmen reportedly opened fire on security forces, before the fighting moved to a cabin complex in a wooded area, where the drug boss was wounded alongside two of his bodyguards.

The trio were transported by helicopter to Mexico City but "died on the way", general Trevilla said.

He said several rocket launchers were found with them, but the men were not able to use them.

Eight cartel members were killed in the raid, he said, while grenades, ammo and armoured vehicles were seized.

Read more: Who is 'El Mencho' and why does his death matter?

The operation sparked waves of violence across Mexico, as cartel members blocked roads, burned cars and carried out retaliatory attacks.

At least 73 people died in the attempt to capture the CJNG boss and the violent aftermath of his death, officials said. The figure, taken by security officials, included security forces, suspected cartel members and others. Officials did not offer further details and the circumstances of most of the deaths were unclear.

Mexico's security minister Omar Garcia Harfuch said 25 members of the National Guard had been killed in six separate cartel attacks, as well as an agent from the state prosecutor's office, a security guard and a woman he did not identify.

The crime boss's death triggered "27 cowardly attacks against authorities in Jalisco", Mr Garcia Harfuch said, ⁠adding that 30 cartel operatives were killed ​as well as one bystander in Jalisco, while four other cartel members were killed in the neighbouring state of Michoacan. At least ​70 people have been arrested in seven states.

"We ​are closely monitoring for any kind of reaction ⁠or restructuring within the cartel that could lead to violence," he added.

On Monday, Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum praised the armed forces and said the country was now "at peace" and "calm", adding that none of the 250-plus roadblocks across 20 states remained.

She said the most important thing now was to guarantee peace and security for the entire population of Mexico.

The White House has confirmed that the US provided intelligence to support the operation and applauded Mexico's army for taking down a man who was one of the most wanted criminals in both countries.

The UK Foreign Office urged Britons in Mexico to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

A spokesperson said: "You should exercise extreme caution, follow local authorities' advice, including orders to stay indoors and avoid non-essential travel in affected areas."

(c) Sky News 2026: Mexican drug lord 'El Mencho' was killed after visit from 'romantic partner', say officials