The Jalisco New Generation Cartel: A Powerful and Expanding Criminal Empire
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) is one of the most powerful and dangerous criminal organizations in the Western Hemisphere. Known for its military-style operations, extreme violence, and global drug trafficking network, the cartel has rapidly expanded over the past decade. But just how large is CJNG? Understanding the scale of its operations and membership is crucial to assessing the threat it poses.
Estimating the Size of CJNG
Due to the secretive nature of criminal organizations, obtaining precise numbers regarding cartel membership is challenging. However, various studies provide insights into the scale of CJNG’s influence:
Overall Cartel Membership in Mexico: A 2022 study published in Science estimated that Mexican cartels collectively have between 160,000 and 185,000 active members, making them the fifth-largest employer in Mexico (science.org).
CJNG’s Estimated Size: Within this framework, CJNG is estimated to represent approximately 17.9% of the total cartel membership, meaning it could have anywhere from 28,600 to 33,100 members (justiceinmexico.org). This makes it one of the most formidable criminal organizations in the country.
Leadership and Background
The leadership of CJNG is composed of highly dangerous individuals, many of whom have backgrounds in law enforcement, military, or intelligence operations, giving the cartel an edge in combat and strategy. The key figures include:
Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho") – The supreme leader of CJNG, El Mencho was born in Aguililla, Michoacán. He illegally entered the U.S. in the 1980s and was involved in the drug trade before being deported. Upon returning to Mexico, he briefly worked in law enforcement before turning to cartel operations, using his knowledge of police tactics to evade capture.
Erick Valencia Salazar ("El 85") – A co-founder of CJNG and a former member of the Milenio Cartel. While there is no confirmed military or police training in his background, his strategic role within CJNG’s early expansion suggests a deep understanding of tactical cartel operations and logistics.
Martín Arzola Ortega ("El 53") – A key figure within CJNG, Arzola Ortega was responsible for overseeing cartel operations in various regions. He began his criminal career in the 1990s and played a significant role in orchestrating violent cartel rivalries. There is no publicly available evidence of formal military training.
Emilio Alejandro Pulido Saldaña ("El Tiburón") – Another early member of CJNG, he was instrumental in the cartel’s expansion and may have had connections with other criminal organizations before joining forces with El Mencho. Reports suggest he later aligned with factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.
A Vast and Complex Network
CJNG is not a monolithic structure but rather a highly organized, multi-tiered network that operates in a paramilitary fashion. The cartel's membership includes:
Core Leadership: Led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes ("El Mencho"), CJNG has a structured command hierarchy that controls different factions across Mexico and beyond.
Regional Commanders: These individuals oversee CJNG’s operations in key territories, managing drug production, logistics, and violent enforcement.
Foot Soldiers and Hit Squads: The cartel recruits thousands of operatives responsible for carrying out assassinations, kidnappings, and extortion schemes.
Financial and Cyber Operatives: CJNG employs skilled individuals who specialize in money laundering, cryptocurrency transactions, and cyber espionage to evade law enforcement detection.
Global Expansion and Military Capabilities
CJNG is not confined to Mexico. The cartel has expanded its reach to the United States, Europe, Asia, and South America, operating lucrative drug distribution networks. Its paramilitary forces, equipped with military-grade weapons, drones, and armored vehicles, make it one of the most well-armed criminal groups in the world.
The Growing Threat
With an estimated 30,000 members and growing, CJNG continues to pose a serious threat to Mexican national security and U.S. law enforcement. Its ability to recruit, train, and expand suggests that without decisive action, the cartel will remain one of the dominant forces in the global drug trade.
Efforts to combat CJNG require a multi-faceted approach, including military intervention, intelligence operations, financial targeting, and international cooperation. As the cartel continues to grow, tackling its influence will be a top priority for both Mexico and the United States.
Conclusion
CJNG’s size, organization, and military capabilities make it a paramilitary criminal empire rather than just a drug cartel. With an estimated 28,600 to 33,100 members, it is one of the largest and most dangerous criminal organizations in the world. Addressing this growing threat will require strategic military, intelligence, and law enforcement efforts on an international scale.