What's happened
Cristian Fernando Gutierrez-Ochoa, a high-ranking member of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, was arrested in Riverside, California, on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. He is the son-in-law of cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as 'El Mencho'. If convicted, he faces life in prison.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Gutierrez-Ochoa was living in luxury in California after allegedly faking his death to evade capture. The Justice Department highlighted his role in coordinating the distribution of large quantities of drugs into the U.S. AP News echoed these sentiments, noting that his arrest represents a significant step in weakening one of the world's most dangerous drug trafficking organizations. Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco emphasized the ongoing efforts to bring down the cartel, stating, 'The Jalisco Cartel is weaker today because of the tenacious efforts of law enforcement.'
How we got here
Gutierrez-Ochoa, 37, allegedly faked his death to escape Mexican authorities after kidnapping two members of the Mexican Navy in 2021. He had been living in the U.S. under a false identity since then.
Common question
More on these topics
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Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, commonly referred to by his alias El Mencho, is a Mexican suspected drug lord and leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a criminal group based in Jalisco.