Trouble on the borderAmong the countries most at risk from the fallout of El Mencho’s killing is Guatemala, according to analysts. While the CJNG managed to largely establish dominance in the region, the Sinaloa cartel still maintains a presence in Chiapas. This contest is inexorably linked to Mexican organized crime, with Los Lobos backed by CJNG and Los Choneros tied to the Sinaloa cartel. In the case of an internal struggle over El Mencho’s succession or a split in the Jalisco cartel, Los Lobos could lose backing from their key benefactor. While the CJNG’s succession process remains opaque, authorities across Latin America will be closely monitoring the cartel’s next steps after El Mencho’s death.

Source: National Post March 01, 2026 12:25 UTC