Cocaine in the United States has become more affordable and maintains high purity levels, according to a report from The Wall Street Journal published recently. The decline in prices is largely attributed to the influence of a new Mexican drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera, widely known by his alias “Mencho.” At 59 years old, Oseguera has rapidly ascended to become one of the most powerful figures in the drug trade, leading the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) to prominence.
Over the past few decades, Oseguera has transformed the CJNG into a formidable transnational criminal organization. The cartel has significantly disrupted the existing criminal landscape in Mexico, overtaking the longstanding dominance of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Sinaloa Cartel, previously the leading trafficker of fentanyl, has faced challenges due to increased scrutiny and enforcement from the U.S. government, particularly during the administration of former President Donald Trump.
The Sinaloa Cartel’s decline has provided an opportunity for Oseguera and his organization to expand their cocaine operations. Reports indicate that cocaine use in the U.S. has surged, with a 154% increase in the western regions and a 19% rise in the east since 2019, according to data from Millennium Health. In contrast, the use of fentanyl has been on a downward trend since mid-2023, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
In response to the growing fentanyl crisis, President Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act in July 2023. This significant legislative measure classified all fentanyl analogues as Schedule I substances, empowering law enforcement to take more decisive actions against those involved in the trafficking of synthetic opioids.
On April 9, 2025, U.S. Coast Guard officials announced the seizure of over $509 million worth of cocaine and marijuana during a series of interdictions in the Atlantic. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized at a press conference that these operations represent a substantial blow to the financial networks of drug organizations.
Military Engagements Against Drug Traffickers
Recent military operations have further intensified efforts against drug trafficking. On Monday, U.S. Southern Command conducted an operation targeting a suspected drug-trafficking vessel linked to Venezuela. This engagement resulted in the deaths of three individuals aboard the vessel, marking the second such military action following Trump’s directive to disrupt Latin American drug cartels.
In a statement, Pete Hegseth, the Secretary of War, emphasized the U.S. commitment to combating narco-terrorism. He stated, “Narco-terrorists are enemies of the United States — actively bringing death to our shores. We will stop at nothing to defend our homeland and our citizens.”
The ongoing battle against drug trafficking remains a complex and evolving challenge for the U.S. and its neighboring countries. As the influence of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel grows, so too does the urgency for law enforcement and military agencies to adapt their strategies in response to this shifting landscape.