How the CJNG Cartel Hijacked Latin America's Rural Economies Through Fear
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has solidified its hold on rural economies across Latin America. From fishing and avocado farming to mercury smuggling, its operations now extend beyond drug trafficking. Extortion, coercion, and violence have forced entire industries under its control.
The cartel's influence spans over 20 states in Mexico and neighboring countries, with recent clashes erupting in Ecuador. Despite persistent rumors, leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes—known as 'El Mencho'—remains at large, with no confirmed reports of his death as of early 2026.
In Mexico's coastal regions, the CJNG has transformed small fishing fleets into smuggling networks. Over 70% of fishermen in Puerto Bolívar, Ecuador, now pay monthly extortion fees just to set sail. Those who refuse face threats or violence. The cartel uses their boats to transport cocaine, often concealing shipments among legitimate catches.
The avocado trade has also become a target. CJNG-linked groups control parts of the industry, fueling deforestation as demand grows. Meanwhile, mercury trafficking has surged, with over 200 tons smuggled from Mexico to the Amazon. The metal, vital for illegal gold mining, is hidden in gravel or construction materials to bypass customs. CJNG members oversee its distribution across Peru, Bolivia, and Colombia.
Recent violence in Machala, Ecuador, highlights the cartel's expanding reach. A turf war between local gang Los Lobos—allied with the CJNG—and rival factions has turned the city into a battleground. Mexican authorities have uncovered further ties, including a 2023 case where fishermen from Jalisco were caught aboard a vessel carrying weapons, confirming the cartel's role in cross-border drug routes.
Rumors of 'El Mencho's' death in February 2024 proved false. As of February 2026, he remains alive, and the CJNG continues to strengthen its hold on key economic sectors.
The CJNG's operations now touch multiple industries, from fishing and agriculture to mining. Extortion and smuggling have embedded the cartel in daily life for thousands. With no signs of leadership change, its influence is likely to persist across Mexico and beyond.
Authorities face ongoing challenges in dismantling these networks, as the cartel adapts its tactics to evade detection and maintain control.
