Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, 67, pleaded guilty in a Washington federal court on Friday to conspiring to traffic 450 kilograms or more of cocaine and at least 45 kilograms of methamphetamine into the United States between January 1998 and December 2022. He also admitted to possessing a firearm in furtherance of the drug trafficking conspiracy.
The charges stem from his alleged role in working alongside his brother, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” the former leader of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG). El Mencho was killed by Mexican military forces in February 2026, an event that triggered widespread violence across Mexico, including highway blockades, arson attacks, and at least 70 deaths, including 25 National Guard members.
Prosecutors allege that Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, a native of Michoacán, Mexico, was involved in the Milenio Cartel before transitioning to the CJNG under his brother’s leadership. He was extradited to the U.S. in February 2025 for prosecution. If convicted, he faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years in prison, with sentencing scheduled for November 13.
Background: The CJNG and El Mencho’s Legacy
The CJNG, co-founded by El Mencho, is one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug cartels. Under his leadership, the group expanded its operations across Mexico and into the U.S., trafficking large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine. The U.S. government designated the CJNG as a foreign terrorist organization in 2024, a move that intensified cross-border enforcement efforts.
The cartel’s violent response to El Mencho’s death underscored its influence and the challenges faced by Mexican authorities. The unrest included coordinated attacks on infrastructure, civilian targets, and security forces, highlighting the group’s reach and operational capacity.
U.S. Enforcement and Sanctions
In recent weeks, the U.S. announced sanctions targeting over 50 Mexican individuals and entities allegedly linked to the CJNG, including its new leader, Juan Carlos Gonzalez, a dual U.S.-Mexican national. These measures reflect ongoing efforts to disrupt the cartel’s operations and financial networks.
Antonio Oseguera Cervantes’s guilty plea marks another step in the broader U.S.-Mexico collaboration against transnational criminal organizations. His case follows high-profile prosecutions of cartel leaders and associates, signaling continued pressure on the CJNG and similar groups.