News
September 17, 2025
America Loves Cocaine Again—Mexico’s New Drug King Cashes In
The Trump administration’s war on fentanyl created an opening for ‘El Señor Mencho’ to smuggle cocaine into the U.S. by the ton.
America's appetite for cocaine is surging, and a new drug kingpin in Mexico is reaping the rewards. The shift in the illicit drug market, partly fueled by the Trump administration’s focus on combating fentanyl, has inadvertently created a lucrative opportunity for Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Señor Mencho,” the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG).
For years, the U.S. government has prioritized stemming the flow of fentanyl, a highly potent and deadly synthetic opioid, across the southern border. This intense focus, while aimed at saving lives from the opioid epidemic, appears to have inadvertently opened a door for cocaine to regain a stronger foothold in the American drug market. Law enforcement resources and attention, heavily concentrated on fentanyl interdiction, have left vulnerabilities that the CJNG, under the command of El Señor Mencho, has been quick to exploit.
The CJNG, already a dominant force in Mexico's criminal landscape, has capitalized on this shift, smuggling cocaine into the U.S. by the ton. This resurgence of cocaine is not simply a return to old habits; it represents a calculated strategic move by the cartel to diversify its revenue streams and fill the void left by the fentanyl crackdown. The cartel’s sophisticated network and ruthless tactics enable them to efficiently transport and distribute cocaine across the country, satisfying a growing demand.
The consequences of this cocaine resurgence are far-reaching. Public health officials are bracing for a potential increase in cocaine-related overdoses and addiction rates. Law enforcement agencies are now tasked with managing both the fentanyl crisis and a revitalized cocaine trade, stretching resources thin and complicating efforts to combat drug trafficking effectively.
The situation highlights the complex and ever-evolving nature of the drug trade. Focusing on one substance can inadvertently create opportunities for others to flourish. Experts warn that a comprehensive and adaptable approach is needed to effectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by drug trafficking organizations like the CJNG. The fight against drugs requires a strategy that considers the interconnectedness of the illicit market and the ability of cartels to adapt to changing law enforcement priorities. The renewed popularity of cocaine serves as a stark reminder of this reality.
For years, the U.S. government has prioritized stemming the flow of fentanyl, a highly potent and deadly synthetic opioid, across the southern border. This intense focus, while aimed at saving lives from the opioid epidemic, appears to have inadvertently opened a door for cocaine to regain a stronger foothold in the American drug market. Law enforcement resources and attention, heavily concentrated on fentanyl interdiction, have left vulnerabilities that the CJNG, under the command of El Señor Mencho, has been quick to exploit.
The CJNG, already a dominant force in Mexico's criminal landscape, has capitalized on this shift, smuggling cocaine into the U.S. by the ton. This resurgence of cocaine is not simply a return to old habits; it represents a calculated strategic move by the cartel to diversify its revenue streams and fill the void left by the fentanyl crackdown. The cartel’s sophisticated network and ruthless tactics enable them to efficiently transport and distribute cocaine across the country, satisfying a growing demand.
The consequences of this cocaine resurgence are far-reaching. Public health officials are bracing for a potential increase in cocaine-related overdoses and addiction rates. Law enforcement agencies are now tasked with managing both the fentanyl crisis and a revitalized cocaine trade, stretching resources thin and complicating efforts to combat drug trafficking effectively.
The situation highlights the complex and ever-evolving nature of the drug trade. Focusing on one substance can inadvertently create opportunities for others to flourish. Experts warn that a comprehensive and adaptable approach is needed to effectively address the multifaceted challenges posed by drug trafficking organizations like the CJNG. The fight against drugs requires a strategy that considers the interconnectedness of the illicit market and the ability of cartels to adapt to changing law enforcement priorities. The renewed popularity of cocaine serves as a stark reminder of this reality.
Category:
World