In Mexico, the funeral of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, better known as El Mencho, who led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, took place. He was killed at the end of February as a result of an operation by Mexican law enforcement agencies. The ceremony featured an orchestra playing narcocorridos, and the deceased was buried in a golden coffin, as reported by the BBC.
El Mencho, who was 59 years old, died on February 22 from injuries sustained during a confrontation with special forces dispatched to apprehend him.
Cervantes was one of the most wanted criminals in Mexico, and U.S. authorities had placed a $15 million reward for information that could lead to his arrest.
The death of El Mencho triggered a wave of unrest across the country, with members of his cartel setting cars on fire and blocking roads in 20 states.
On the day of the funeral, which took place near Guadalajara in the state of Jalisco, authorities increased security by deploying additional National Guard units.
Before the ceremony began, large floral arrangements were brought into the funeral hall, including one shaped like a rooster, reflecting the deceased's well-known passion for cockfighting.
According to AFP, the number of floral wreaths was so large (most of which were sent anonymously) that five trucks were needed to transport them to the cemetery.
The procession was accompanied by an orchestra playing traditional rancheras and narcocorridos—songs dedicated to the lives of drug lords.
Local media reported that when the gilded coffin of Oseguera was brought to the chapel at the cemetery, the orchestra began to play El Muchacho Alegre ("The Happy Boy"), one of the popular folk songs.
After an hour-long ceremony, the funeral attendees, many of whom concealed their faces with masks, followed the coffin to the burial site.
Journalists noted that the grave looked quite modest compared to the burials of other drug lords, who are often honored with imposing mausoleums.
The operation to apprehend Cervantes was a significant achievement for the administration of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who is under pressure from Donald Trump, insisting on the need for real results in the fight against drug trafficking.
However, experts express concerns that the death of El Mencho could lead to a power vacuum and a new wave of violence, as various factions within the cartel may begin to fight for control over Cervantes' empire.
The record of the burial of the leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel in a golden coffin was first published by K-News.
