Who is the leader of the Tijuana Cartel? This question has intrigued many, as the Tijuana Cartel, also known as the Arellano Félix Organization (AFO), has been a significant player in the drug trade along the US-Mexico border. The cartel’s leadership has evolved over the years, with various individuals taking charge at different times. Understanding the current leader of the Tijuana Cartel is crucial for analyzing the dynamics of organized crime in the region and the strategies employed by law enforcement agencies to combat it. This article delves into the history and current status of the Tijuana Cartel’s leadership.
The Tijuana Cartel, founded in the 1980s, has a long history of involvement in the drug trade, particularly the smuggling of cocaine and marijuana into the United States. The cartel’s rise to prominence can be attributed to the Arellano Félix brothers, who initially took control of the organization. The brothers, Ramón, Francisco, and BenjamÃn, were known for their ruthless tactics and were instrumental in expanding the cartel’s operations. However, the rise of the Sinaloa Cartel in the 1990s led to a power struggle within the Tijuana Cartel, resulting in the fragmentation of the organization.
After the death of Ramón Arellano Félix in 1997, the leadership of the Tijuana Cartel was taken over by his brother, Francisco. However, Francisco’s reign was short-lived, as he was captured by Mexican authorities in 2002. Following his capture, the leadership of the Tijuana Cartel was assumed by a group of former lieutenants and associates of the Arellano Félix brothers.
The current leader of the Tijuana Cartel is known as “El Mencho,” or El Mayo Zambada, whose real name is Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes. El Mencho has been a key figure in the cartel since the early 2000s and has been linked to numerous high-profile drug trafficking operations. He is also believed to have close ties with the Sinaloa Cartel, which has further solidified his position within the drug trafficking hierarchy.
El Mencho’s leadership style is characterized by a combination of violence and strategic alliances. He has been accused of ordering numerous executions and kidnappings to maintain control over the Tijuana Cartel’s operations. However, he has also been able to forge alliances with other criminal organizations, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), to expand his influence in the drug trade.
Despite the efforts of Mexican and US law enforcement agencies to dismantle the Tijuana Cartel, El Mencho has managed to evade capture. His ability to remain at large is attributed to his network of informants, enforcers, and corrupt officials within the Mexican government. The Tijuana Cartel’s continued presence in the drug trade is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of El Mencho and his organization.
In conclusion, the current leader of the Tijuana Cartel is El Mencho, a figure known for his ruthless tactics and strategic alliances. His leadership has allowed the Tijuana Cartel to maintain its position as a significant player in the drug trade along the US-Mexico border. As law enforcement agencies continue to target the cartel, the question of who will succeed El Mencho remains a topic of interest and speculation.
