Key suspect in 'El Mencho' raid reportedly arrested

Mexican authorities have captured a suspected drug smuggler who played a significant part in the raid that led to the demise of Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera last month, the defense ministry announced on Sunday.

Oseguera, also known as "El Mencho," headed the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and was mortally injured in an operation by elite Mexican forces on February 22 after being spotted with a woman at a country club in the western region of Jalisco.

Mexican authorities have apprehended Jose N, known as "El Pepe", who was in charge of taking Oseguera's romantic partner to an opulent cabin in the Tapalpa municipality, the defense ministry stated in a press release.

Military intelligence agencies were able to locate Oseguera after learning about his meeting, authorities shared following the mission. 

Mexican Defense Secretary Gen. Ricardo Trevilla earlier mentioned that the precise site was verified through "significant additional intelligence" from US sources.

"El Pepe" was recognised as one of the principal logistics coordinators of CJNG and was detained in the Tlajomulco municipality in Jalisco.

"Drugs, firearms, and a vehicle were confiscated from the suspect," the defense ministry added.

Oseguera was Mexico's top target and was also pursued by the United States, which had a $15 million reward for him. 

He was "the top priority for DEA and essentially for federal law enforcement in the United States," a leading DEA official in Mexico explained to CBS News in 2019.

Following his death, CJNG members obstructed roads in 20 out of Mexico's 32 states and set ablaze vehicles and businesses, including in Guadalajara and the Jalisco tourist destination of Puerto Vallarta.

More than 70 individuals, including 25 Mexican National Guard members, lost their lives during the mission to seize Oseguera and ensuing clashes between the security forces and CJNG shooters.

Earlier this month, Oseguera was laid to rest in a golden coffin with extensive floral tributes and a significant military presence.