The jailbreak took place while violence spread through Puerto Vallarta and across towns and cities in 19 other states, creating widespread unrest throughout the region. BBC
Police across Mexico are searching for 23 inmates who escaped from a prison in Puerto Vallarta during a violent wave of attacks on Sunday. Authorities say the unrest followed a major security operation targeting Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) leader Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, widely known as “El Mencho.”
Puerto Vallarta, a popular beach destination on Mexico’s Pacific coast, became one of several towns hit by violence after security forces moved against the cartel.
Prison Gate Rammed During Chaos
During the disorder, armed men drove a vehicle into one of the prison’s gates. The impact broke open an entry point and allowed 23 prisoners to flee. Officials have not yet shared the names or backgrounds of those who escaped.
Juan Pablo Hernández, security secretary for the state of Jalisco, confirmed that police are working with neighbouring states to track down the fugitives.
Deadly Confrontations
The operation to capture El Mencho and the violence that followed resulted in heavy casualties. Authorities report that more than 70 people died, including 25 members of the National Guard.
Cartel members set fire to vehicles and blocked major roads across Puerto Vallarta. Thick smoke rose over the resort area as both residents and tourists sought safety indoors.
Officials urged people to stay off the streets while security forces worked to regain control.
Travel Disruptions
The unrest affected travel in the region. Several airlines temporarily suspended flights to Puerto Vallarta. At least two cruise ships cancelled planned stops at the port due to safety concerns.
By Monday, government officials announced that crews had removed most of the roadblocks set up by cartel members.
However, reports from the state of Morelia — the birthplace of El Mencho — indicated continued disturbances. Armed groups reportedly set fire to cars and damaged buildings, spreading fear among residents.
Profile of El Mencho
El Mencho led one of Mexico’s most powerful criminal organizations. Under his direction, CJNG expanded beyond Jalisco into other states, becoming a major force in drug production and trafficking.
The cartel often relied on extreme violence and carried out high-profile attacks against security forces and government officials.
The Trump administration had described El Mencho as a "top target for the Mexican and United States government as one of the top traffickers of fentanyl into our homeland" and had offered a $15m (£11.1m) reward for information leading to his capture.
Capture and Death
Mexican security forces located El Mencho in Tapalpa, Jalisco state. Mexico’s defence minister said investigators traced him by following one of his "romantic partners".
Special forces moved in to arrest him, and a gunfight broke out between his guards and officers. Authorities captured him during the clash, but he later died from injuries sustained in the exchange.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials continue to investigate the prison break and the broader wave of violence. Law enforcement agencies remain focused on capturing the escaped inmates and restoring stability in affected areas.
The situation remains tense as communities recover from one of the most serious security incidents in recent months.
