Federal forces in Mexico have taken down Nemesio Oseguera, alias "El Mencho," leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and one of the most sought-after drug traffickers, the prestigious newspaper La Jornada reported today.

According to the newspaper, government sources confirmed the incident, which led to the so-called "narco-blockades" implemented by criminal groups in the western state of Jalisco, where the operation took place.

This morning, the governor of that entity, Pablo Lemus, reported several blockades and armed clashes following an operation in the municipality of Tapalpa, for which he activated the security table with the three levels of government to address the violence.

Similar measures were applied in Michoacán by the local governor, Alfredo Ramírez.

Subsequently, the newspaper adds in its digital edition, the violence spread to the states of Colima, Nayarit, Aguascalientes, and Guanajuato.

The criminal leader was considered one of the main targets of the governments of Mexico and the United States.

Through a message published on his X social media account, the federal Security Cabinet noted earlier that they were "addressing the blockades occurring in some areas of Jalisco as a result of operations carried out by federal institutions."

"Our priority is the safety and protection of citizens," it underscored.

The government of President Claudia Sheinbaum implements a national security strategy based on four pillars: addressing root causes, consolidating the National Guard, strengthening intelligence and investigation, and coordination with federal entities.

As a result of this initiative, law enforcement arrested 43,438 people for high-impact crimes and seized 22,832 weapons and 327 tons of drugs from October 1, 2024, the start of the current administration, through January 31 of this year.

In the opinion of authorities, these actions have had a direct effect on the reduction of violence, which is reflected in a 42 percent decrease in homicides, equivalent to 36 fewer such crimes compared to September 2024.