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Inside the Operation to Take Down Mexico’s Biggest Drug Lord
Posted
February 26, 2026
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33:07Now PlayingWhen Mexican forces captured and killed the country’s most-wanted cartel boss, it revealed how much President Trump’s growing pressure is forcing Mexico to take on cartels.
Maria Abi-Habib and Jack Nicas, who covered the developments, discuss the operation to take down the leader known as El Mencho, and Mexico’s efforts against some of the world’s most powerful criminals.
Guest:
• Maria AbiHabib () , an investigative correspondent for The New York Times based in Mexico City.
• Jack Nicas () , the Mexico City bureau chief for The New York Times.
Background reading:
• Mayhem rocked Mexico () after the killing of El Mencho.
• AnalysisMexico is caught between Mr. Trump and the cartels () .
• AnalysisIn nearly 60 years of the war on drugs, what has actually worked? ()
Photo: Luis Cortes/Reuters
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