The Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) has strengthened its military-grade arsenal through a network of international suppliers, as revealed in the trial against Peter Dimitrov Mirchev, identified as one of the key contacts for Mexico's most powerful criminal organization. U.S. authorities linked Mirchev and three other individuals of different nationalities to suppliers of machine guns, rocket launchers, grenades, night vision equipment, sniper rifles, anti-personnel mines, and anti-aircraft weapons for the organization led by Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, 'El Mencho'. Presumably, Mirchev presented a catalog of the variety of armament he could supply to the CJNG. The alliance between Peter Dimitrov and the CJNG dates back to 2022. Since then, the alleged arms trafficker held meetings with representatives of the criminal organization, coordinating the shipment of goods from abroad. The initial 'test' shipment consisted of 50 AK-47 rifles. Over a decade ago, the organization led by 'El Mencho' demonstrated the power of its arsenal by shooting down a Mexican Air Force Cougar helicopter. In 2024, according to the court file, they discussed the possibility of supplying anti-aircraft missiles, anti-drone systems, and a ZU-23 weapon system capable of firing projectiles that could shoot down low-flying targets like helicopters. Three of the four members of the CJNG arms trafficking network are currently in prison.
