Cocaine prices in the United States have reached new lows while purity levels remain exceptionally high, driven by the rise of a powerful new figure in the drug trade. According to a report by The Wall Street Journal, this shift can be largely attributed to Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as “Mencho,” who has rapidly ascended to become one of the wealthiest and most influential drug lords in the country.
The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), led by Oseguera, has transformed into a formidable transnational criminal organization. Over the past few decades, the CJNG has significantly upended the existing drug trade in Mexico, eclipsing the once-dominant Sinaloa Cartel. The Sinaloa Cartel has faced increasing challenges, particularly due to intensified law enforcement efforts targeting synthetic opioids under the Trump administration.
With the Sinaloa Cartel weakened, the CJNG has seized the opportunity to expand its cocaine operations. As a result, cocaine use in the United States has surged, with reported increases of 154% in the western states and 19% in the eastern regions since 2019, according to Millennium Health, a drug-testing company.
Government Response and Legislative Action
In response to the rising cocaine use and the challenges posed by fentanyl, U.S. authorities have ramped up efforts to combat drug trafficking. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted a downward trend in fentanyl use, prompting legislative measures aimed at tightening enforcement. In July 2023, President Donald Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act, categorizing all fentanyl analogues as Schedule I substances. This classification allows law enforcement agencies greater authority to pursue legal actions against those involved in the distribution and trafficking of synthetic opioids.
During a recent press conference, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi highlighted the ongoing efforts to disrupt the financial operations of drug organizations. She stated that the capture of substantial drug shipments is critical for undermining these groups. For instance, on April 9, 2025, U.S. Coast Guard crews offloaded over $509 million worth of cocaine and marijuana seized in the Atlantic.
Military Engagements and International Operations
The U.S. military has also become actively involved in combating drug trafficking. Most recently, the U.S. Southern Command conducted operations against suspected drug-trafficking vessels originating from Venezuela. These military engagements align with the Trump administration’s directive to target Latin American drug cartels.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth emphasized that narco-terrorists present a significant threat to U.S. security, stating, “We will stop at nothing to defend our homeland and our citizens. We will track them, kill them, and dismantle their networks throughout our hemisphere.”
As the dynamics of the drug trade continue to evolve, the rise of figures like Mencho and the shifting landscape of law enforcement efforts signal a complex future for drug-related issues in the United States and beyond.
