Cocaine prices in the United States have dropped significantly while maintaining high purity levels, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal published on March 12, 2024. This trend is attributed to the rise of a new drug lord, Nemesio Oseguera, commonly known as “Mencho,” who has rapidly gained power within the drug trade.
Mencho, 59, leads the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), which has evolved into a dominant force in the drug trafficking landscape. The cartel has outpaced the once-powerful Sinaloa Cartel, which has been weakened by intensified law enforcement efforts, particularly during the previous U.S. administration. As a result, the CJNG now stands as the preeminent drug syndicate globally.
The Sinaloa Cartel, previously the leading player in fentanyl trafficking, has faced increased scrutiny and enforcement from U.S. authorities. The crackdown on synthetic opioids has inadvertently opened doors for the Jalisco cartel, enabling Mencho to bolster his influence and expand cocaine distribution channels across the United States.
Surge in Cocaine Use Amid Changing Drug Landscape
Recent statistics highlight a surge in cocaine consumption in the U.S. Since 2019, usage has risen by a staggering 154% in the western regions and 19% in the east, as reported by Millennium Health, a drug-testing organization. In contrast, the use of fentanyl has shown a downward trend since mid-2023, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In response to the escalating opioid crisis, former President Donald Trump signed the HALT Fentanyl Act in July 2023. This significant legislation classified all fentanyl analogues as Schedule I substances, enhancing law enforcement’s ability to combat the distribution of synthetic opioids.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi emphasized the impact of recent drug seizures on disrupting cartel operations. On April 9, 2025, the U.S. Coast Guard offloaded over $509 million worth of cocaine and marijuana during a press conference at Port Everglades, Florida. Bondi stated that these interceptions hinder the financial capabilities of drug organizations attempting to distribute narcotics throughout the country.
Military Operations Targeting Drug Traffickers
The fight against drug trafficking has also extended to military operations. Most recently, the U.S. Southern Command conducted an operation on March 11, 2024, targeting a suspected drug-trafficking vessel originating from Venezuela. This engagement resulted in the deaths of three individuals aboard the vessel and marked the second military intervention in the region since Trump’s directive to confront Latin American drug cartels.
The increasing availability of cheap and pure cocaine in the U.S. raises concerns about public health and safety. As law enforcement and military efforts continue to target drug trafficking networks, the rise of Mencho and the Jalisco cartel signifies a significant shift in the dynamics of the drug trade, with far-reaching implications for both U.S. authorities and communities grappling with substance abuse issues.
