Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, 67, pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court on July 31, 2025, to conspiracy to traffic at least 450 kg of cocaine and 45 kg of methamphetamine into the United States and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of that conspiracy. Prosecutors say his involvement stretched from 1998 through 2022. Cervantes was extradited to the U.S. in February 2025; the plea follows U.S. sanctions targeting roughly 50 individuals and entities tied to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. His brother, cartel co-founder Nemesio "El Mencho," was killed during a Mexican military operation in February 2025 amid a wave of violence in Jalisco.
Brother Of Late 'El Mencho' Pleads Guilty In U.S. To Major Drug And Firearm Charges
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Antonio Oseguera Cervantes, the brother of the late Jalisco New Generation Cartel leader Nemesio "El Mencho" Oseguera Cervantes, pleaded guilty in U.S. federal court on July 31, 2025, to conspiring to traffic large quantities of cocaine and methamphetamine into the United States and to possessing a firearm in furtherance of that conspiracy.
Details Of The Plea
According to court filings, Cervantes, 67, admitted he "knowingly, willfully, and intentionally combine[d], conspire[d], confederate[d], and agree[d] with other conspirators, both known and unknown, to manufacture and distribute at least 450 kilograms (nearly 1,000 pounds) or more of cocaine and at least 45 kilograms (about 99 pounds) or more of methamphetamine," both Schedule II controlled substances, with the intent and knowledge that those drugs would be unlawfully imported into the United States.
Scope And Timeline
Prosecutors say Cervantes was involved in the trafficking conspiracy over a prolonged period, from 1998 through 2022. In addition to the conspiracy count, he admitted to a separate charge for possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking conspiracy.
Extradition And Context
Cervantes was extradited to the United States in February 2025 to face prosecution. Before working with his brother, he had ties to the Milenio Cartel; he later joined forces with Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes after the latter co-founded the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, one of Mexico's most powerful criminal organizations.
Broader Developments
The guilty plea follows recent U.S. sanctions targeting roughly 50 people and entities linked to the cartel. The developments come amid heightened violence in Mexico: El Mencho was killed during a Mexican military operation in February 2025, an episode that coincided with widespread unrest in the region. Earlier in 2025, attacks in Jalisco reportedly left 25 members of Mexico's National Guard dead.
Note: The charges stem from multi-decade investigative and prosecutorial efforts aimed at disrupting transnational drug trafficking networks that move illicit narcotics from Mexico into the United States.
Sentencing dates and potential penalties will be determined by the federal court following the entry of the guilty plea and completion of pre-sentencing procedures.
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