In a groundbreaking development within the world of organized crime, the rumoured successor to the slain Mexican cartel kingpin El Mencho has been identified as the first American citizen ever to lead a major Mexican cartel. Juan Carlos Valencia González, known by the alias El 3, is stepping into the spotlight following the death of his stepfather, Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, who was killed in a military operation in western Mexico last week.
An American at the Helm of the CJNG
Juan Carlos Valencia González, aged 41, was born on September 12, 1984, in Santa Ana, California, making him a US citizen by birth. This unprecedented situation marks a significant shift in the leadership dynamics of Mexican cartels, which have traditionally been dominated by Mexican nationals. González is now poised to take control of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), one of Mexico's most powerful and rapidly expanding criminal organizations, according to sources cited by Borderland Beat.
A $5 Million Bounty and a Violent Legacy
The United States government has already placed a substantial $5 million reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of González. This bounty underscores the serious threat he poses, as he is wanted on federal charges including conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and using a firearm during drug trafficking offences. His criminal activities date back to at least 2007, with investigations linking him to the production and trafficking of tonnes of narcotics, as well as numerous violent crimes.
González first came to the attention of authorities during a Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigation in 2020. In July of that year, he was identified in footage showing the armed wing of the CJNG, and by October, a federal indictment had been issued against him. DEA Administrator Anne Milgram emphasized the gravity of the situation in 2021, stating that the reward announcement highlights the US government's commitment to targeting individuals and organizations causing the most harm in communities.
Chaos in the Wake of El Mencho's Death
The death of El Mencho has plunged Mexico into turmoil, with cartel gangs responding violently to the loss of their leader. In the aftermath, tourists were warned to stay indoors as gangs stormed Guadalajara International Airport, burned vehicles, and set up roadblocks in city streets. This chaos reflects the power vacuum left by El Mencho, who was a key figure in Latin American drug trafficking, often compared to infamous drug lords like El Chapo and Pablo Escobar.
Family Ties and Criminal Enterprise
González's rise within the CJNG is deeply intertwined with his family connections. His mother, Rosalinda 'La Jefa' González Valencia, has played a crucial behind-the-scenes role, managing the cartel's finances and acting as a major figure in its operations, according to law enforcement officials. This familial network has helped the CJNG become a dominant force in the drug trade, with González reportedly serving as a mastermind behind its expansion.
Authorities describe González as 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 170 pounds, with brown hair and eyes. His wanted poster labels him as one of the alleged leaders of the CJNG, responsible for organizing crimes of violence and overseeing large-scale narcotics operations. As Mexico grapples with the fallout from El Mencho's death, the emergence of an American citizen at the helm of a major cartel adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime.
