Mexican officials confirmed the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as "El Mencho," during a military operation on Feb. 22. The longtime fugitive led the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), a criminal empire that rivaled the Sinaloa Cartel. The U.S. Department of State had offered a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.

Born to avocado farmers, El Mencho dropped out of school after sixth grade and began his criminal career in Tijuana. Unlike other cartel leaders, he wasn't born into the business. He launched a deadly coup in 2009 against his former organization, forming CJNG, which authorities blame for spreading fentanyl and carrying out assassinations of Mexican officials.

Despite multiple manhunts, El Mencho evaded authorities for years by staying in remote compounds and avoiding drugs or alcohol. His cartel's activities have had significant market implications, particularly in the drug trade. His death marks a major victory for Mexican and U.S. authorities in their efforts to dismantle one of the world's most dangerous criminal organizations.