**U.S. Increases Reward for Drug Lord Nemesio Oseguera to $15 Million**
On December 4, 2024, the United States Department of State raised the reward for information leading to the capture of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, also known as “El Mencho,” from 10 million to 15 million dollars. “El Mencho” is the notorious leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), a major drug trafficking organization involved in the smuggling of fentanyl and other illegal substances into the United States.
The U.S. Government, in its statement, emphasized Oseguera Cervantes’ infamous role and reiterated his multiple indictments since 2017 for drug trafficking offenses in the U.S. Most recently, in April 2022, he faced charges related to ongoing criminal enterprises and conspiracy to manufacture and distribute methamphetamine, cocaine, and fentanyl for U.S. importation, alongside weapon offenses linked to drug trafficking activities. Despite these charges, Oseguera remains at large.
The reward increase is part of the Narcotics Rewards Program aimed at tackling drug law violators. The U.S. authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) via text or WhatsApp at +1-213-237-9990, or through email at [email protected].
Additionally, the DEA is seeking information on other CJNG leaders, Audias Flores Silva and Juan Carlos Valencia González, with a $5 million reward each for their capture.
**Background on Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes**
Born on July 17, 1966, in Naranjo de Chila, Michoacán, “El Mencho” began his criminal career in the late 1980s trafficking heroin in California. After serving time in U.S. prison and being deported, he rose within the ranks of the Milenio Cartel in Mexico. In 2007, he co-founded the CJNG with the González Valencia brothers, initially as an armed wing of the Sinaloa Cartel before breaking away in 2010.
Oseguera has been the subject of multiple arrest warrants in Mexico, including an extradition request issued by a federal judge in Mexico City since February 2015. His closest brush with capture was in May 2015 during an altercation that resulted in the downing of a Mexican military helicopter. The U.S. had previously increased the reward for his capture from 5 million to 10 million dollars on October 16, 2018. Meanwhile, the Mexican Federal Government offered 30 million pesos in August 2018 for actionable information leading to his arrest.
**Related Developments**
Amid ongoing efforts to dismantle the CJNG, Mexican authorities continue to target key players in the cartel’s operations. In a recent crackdown, security forces intercepted a significant fentanyl shipment valued over $400 million in Sinaloa, deemed a historic seizure by Mexican officials. This move reflects heightened scrutiny and action against fentanyl trafficking, a primary focus in U.S.-Mexico drug enforcement collaboration.
For continued updates on this developing story, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.