The body of Nemesio Oceguera Cervantes, alias 'El Mencho', leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), who was captured and killed last February 22 in a military operation in that state (western Mexico), was transferred this Monday to a cemetery in the municipality of Zapopan, near Guadalajara, to be farewelled. After media speculation as to whether it was the capo's wake, sources familiar with the case confirmed to EFE that the capo was laid out in a funeral home in the San Andrés neighborhood, a popular area on the east side of Guadalajara, capital of Jalisco. Since last Saturday, when family members claimed the body at the Attorney General's Office in Mexico City, a large security device was deployed in the Guadalajara Metropolitan Area by the Mexican Army, the National Guard, and the state police, as well as a helicopter that flew over several areas of the city. Local media reported that the body of Mexico and the United States' most wanted capo arrived at the La Paz funeral home around 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, heavily escorted by civilian and military vans in charge of guarding the hearse. From that moment on, dozens of floral arrangements with white roses arrived, among which one stood out with the initials CJNG on its ribbon, and another with red roses in the shape of a rooster, as he was known as 'El Señor de los Gallos' (The Lord of the Roosters). Most of the arrangements arrived without ribbons identifying the sender. At the same time, two shootings and attempts at kidnappings or vehicle burnings were recorded in two points in the city, which were deactivated by the state police. The entry and exit of people around the funeral home was controlled by the military, and even an Army tank was at the site, which remained there until the transfer to the cemetery. The funeral procession is scheduled to arrive at the La Paz Recinto, a cemetery to the west of the city and about 23 kilometers from where the wake took place. Due to the fact that no federal, state, or municipal authority has confirmed the presence of the capo's remains, the mobilization of military elements has caused tension and fear among the population. 'El Mencho's' death occurred in Tapalpa, 130 kilometers south of Guadalajara, and triggered a wave of violence in much of Mexico, such as roadblocks, business fires, flight cancellations, and attacks on security forces by organized crime. According to authorities, 25 members of the National Guard and more than 30 CJNG members died in clashes following the military operation, mostly in the state of Jalisco. EFE
