Introduction
Recent operations against the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) and La Barredora highlight a coordinated effort by national and international authorities to dismantle these criminal organizations. While La Barredora operates under the influence or alliance with CJNG in specific regions, its structure is fragmented into competing factions, causing internal conflicts and weakening the group.
The CJNG and La Barredora: An Overview
The CJNG, one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent criminal organizations, has been targeted by authorities. La Barredora, a criminal group with a strong presence in Tabasco, has been accused of infiltrating local government functions. Its leader, Hernán Bermúdez Requena, was the former Secretary of Security in Tabasco and was alleged to head the organization during his tenure.
Both groups are involved in various criminal activities, including kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, and organized crime. Their internal divisions, dismantling operations, and strategic arrests have weakened their influence since 2023.
Key Detentions and Seizures
- Hernán Bermúdez Requena: The former Secretary of Security in Tabasco was detained in Paraguay and extradited to Mexico. He faces charges of criminal association, extortion, and express kidnapping.
- Gustavo Botello “Viejón”: A key operative of La Barredora, Botello was arrested in Jalisco along with seized drugs, weapons, and electronic devices.
- Ulises “N”, “El Pinto”: Considered the second-in-command of La Barredora, he was also detained in previous operations.
Previous operations have led to the seizure of weapons, drugs, ammunition, and stolen vehicles linked to La Barredora’s activities. These detentions and seizures have significantly impacted the group’s capabilities.
Impact on CJNG and La Barredora
The DEA emphasizes that these operations will not only disrupt the CJNG’s logistics but also target their finances and distribution networks. The CJNG’s leader, Nemesio Rubén Oseguera “El Mencho,” remains at large, with the U.S. offering a $15 million reward for information leading to his capture.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are CJNG and La Barredora? CJNG is one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations, while La Barredora is a group with a strong presence in Tabasco accused of infiltrating local government functions.
- What criminal activities are they involved in? Both groups are implicated in kidnapping, extortion, drug trafficking, and organized crime.
- How have recent operations affected them? Internal divisions, dismantling operations, and strategic arrests have weakened both organizations since 2023.
- What is the status of their leaders? Nemesio Rubén Oseguera “El Mencho,” the CJNG leader, remains a fugitive. La Barredora’s Hernán Bermúdez Requena was detained in Paraguay and extradited to Mexico.
- What is the impact on their operations? Authorities aim to disrupt CJNG’s logistics, finances, and distribution networks while targeting La Barredora’s capabilities through continued detentions and seizures.
