CJNG in the news amid major raids, arrests, and global sanctions tied to fentanyl trafficking and cartel violence. Led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes (El Mencho).
Argentina has expelled Iran's charge d'affaires following Tehran's rejection of Buenos Aires's designation of the IRGC as a terrorist group. The move is linked to Iran's refusal to cooperate with investigations into the 1994 AMIA bombing and other attacks, amid escalating diplomatic tensions.
Security forces have arrested Audias Flores Silva, known as El Jardinero, a top CJNG regional commander and potential successor to El Mencho. The operation followed months of surveillance and involved US-supplied intelligence. A second arrest related to Flores Silva’s money laundering network is reported. The arrests come as the cartel landscape remains volatile ahead of major events in the region.
Mexican president Claudia Sheinbaum has privately warned Morena officials that any members credibly tied to corruption or cartel links must resign and face consequences, Reuters reports. The warning follows a U.S. indictment that has charged Sinaloa governor Rubén Rocha and other officials and has prompted arrests and sanctions tied to the Sinaloa cartel.
France is investigating a failure to act after the disappearance of Lyhanna, an 11-year-old girl, and the discovery of her body near Fleurance. A 41-year-old father is in custody as the key suspect, amid renewed concerns about prior sexual assault allegations and the handling of those cases.
Drones have been neutralized near World Cup venues and team camps as Mexico enforces Plan Kukulkán. Authorities warn spectators and participants; Canada and the U.S. remain on alert as violence linked to cartel activity and political risk continues to influence preparations across host cities.
Merlin the two-year-old duck, a viral symbol of Mexico’s World Cup streak, has become a national icon. FIFA rules prevent him from entering the Azteca Stadium, but he remains a hopeful talisman as Mexico advances in the tournament. His owner says Merlin is bringing luck to El Tri.
The Treasury has targeted two Mexican individuals and nine companies tied to a cartel-linked fuel theft ring that evades Mexican taxes and generates tens of millions annually for the CJNG. FinCEN has alerted banks to red flags in U.S.-to-Mexico fuel smuggling, while U.S. authorities acknowledge the New Generation Cartel’s expansion across 21 of Mexico’s 32 states.