Podcast Episode Details

CJNG And Their Drone Counter Measures And The Kinahan Cartel Keeps Chugging Along (10/21/25)

The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generación or CJNG) is one of the most powerful and violent drug trafficking organizations operating in Mexico. It emerged in the early 2010s as a splinter group of the Milenio Cartel, another criminal organization based in Jalisco, Mexico.

The roots of the CJNG can be traced back to the mid-2000s when the Milenio Cartel was headed by Ignacio "Nacho" Coronel Villarreal. After Coronel's death in a shootout with Mexican security forces in 2010, a power struggle erupted within the cartel. Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, also known as "El Mencho," emerged as a prominent figure within the organization.

Under El Mencho's leadership, the CJNG rapidly expanded its influence and territory, becoming one of the most dominant cartels in Mexico. They have been involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, extortion, and other criminal activities. The CJNG's primary operations involve the trafficking of cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl into the United States.

The CJNG has gained notoriety for its brutality and willingness to engage in violence to achieve its objectives. They have been responsible for numerous acts of violence, including assassinations, mass killings, and the use of explosives. The cartel has also targeted Mexican security forces, engaging in confrontations with police and military personnel.

Despite efforts by Mexican and international law enforcement to dismantle the CJNG, the cartel has proven to be resilient and adaptable. They have a highly decentralized structure, with cells operating across Mexico and even extending into other countries. This makes it difficult for authorities to target the organization as a whole.

The CJNG's influence extends beyond its criminal activities, as it also seeks to exert control over local communities through intimidation and coercion. They have been known to infiltrate local governments and law enforcement agencies, further complicating efforts to combat their operations.

In recent years, the CJNG has increasingly clashed with rival cartels, particularly the Sinaloa Cartel, leading to widespread violence in parts of Mexico. The cartel's ability to maintain its dominance in the face of such challenges underscores its strength and resilience.

It has been during this war that the use of Drones by both sides has accelerated.    

The repurposing of commercial drones for military applications has become increasingly prevalent in the modern era, presenting both opportunities and challenges for military forces around the world. Here are some ways in which commercial drones have been adapted for military use:

1. Surveillance and Reconnaissance: Commercial drones equipped with high-resolution cameras and sensors are being used for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) missions. These drones can provide real-time imagery of enemy positions, movements, and terrain, allowing military forces to make informed decisions.
2. Target Acquisition: Drones equipped with advanced sensors, such as infrared or electro-optical cameras, can identify and track potential targets on the battlefield. This information can be relayed to military command centers for further analysis and action.
3. Communication Relays: Commercial drones can be outfitted with communication equipment to serve as mobile relays, extending the range and effectiveness of military communications networks. This is particularly useful in remote or rugged environments where traditional communication infrastructure is lacking.
4. Cargo Delivery: Drones are being used to deliver essential supplies, ammunition, and medical equipment to troops in the field. This can help reduce the logistical burden on military convoys and reduce the risk to personnel from ground-based transportation.
5. Electronic Warfare: Commercial drones can be modified to

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   Published on 1 month ago