The Briefing Aussies told to leave Israel + Will cartel chaos derail the World Cup?
Feb 25, 2026
Angelica Duran-Martinez, an associate professor who studies criminal groups in Latin America. She discusses El Mencho and the Jalisco New Generation cartel. Short takes on how kingpin removal affects the drug trade. Analysis of cartel violence, retaliation tactics and links to local politics. Discussion of risks for Mexico ahead of the World Cup.
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El Mencho Built A Powerful Diversified Cartel
- El Mencho founded and expanded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel into a highly influential and violent organisation.
- The cartel broadened beyond fentanyl into other illicit activities that mostly affect Mexicans, while the US focused on drug trafficking threats like fentanyl.
Killing A Leader Rarely Stops The Trade
- Removing a kingpin rarely disrupts the overall drug flow or addresses other violent crimes.
- Past captures show organisations adapt via leadership changes, so arrests often fail to reduce trafficking or local human rights abuses.
Postraid Violence Is Strategic Retaliation
- Cartel retaliation after high-profile takedowns is a deliberate show of power aimed at the government and population.
- Tactics include torching buses, blocking roads and targeting security forces to intimidate and deter government action.