Mexican authorities return drug lord’s body to family

Mexican authorities handed over the body of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, who was killed by the Mexican army, to his family.

In a brief note on

“Genetic tests were carried out to confirm that there is indeed a blood relationship between the person requesting his release and the deceased,” the statement said.

The death of the nation’s most powerful drug lord was met with a wave of retaliatory violence in nearly 20 states, with more than 70 people killed.

The violence has raised fears that bloodshed ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup could damage tourism.

The US State Department had offered a reward of up to US$15 million ($21 million) for information leading to El Mencho’s arrest.

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel, which he runs, is one of Mexico’s most powerful and fastest-growing criminal organizations and began operating in 2009.

In February 2025, the Trump administration designated the cartel as a foreign terrorist organization.

The drug lord’s death is the Mexican government’s biggest reward yet for the Trump administration’s efforts to crack down on the cartels.