Luxury mountain villa reveals the cartel leaderâs last days before á´ á´á´á´ ly military raid
TAPALPA, Mexico â A quiet luxury villa hidden inside a gated mountain community in western Mexico has been identified as the final refuge of notorious cartel boss El Mencho before he was killed during a major military operation, according to reporting by Reuters.
A Secret Sanctuary in a Peaceful Resort Town
The two-story stone house sits inside the exclusive Tapalpa Country Club, a scenic retreat surrounded by pine forests and vacation homes in Jalisco state.
From the outside, the property appeared ordinary â blending into a tranquil tourist destination popular with wealthy visitors seeking privacy and relaxation.
Authorities now say the same secluded setting made it an ideal hiding place for one of the worldâs most wanted drug lords during his final weeks.
Signs of a Life Lived in Hiding
Images reviewed by Reuters revealed a home showing clear signs of isolation and hurried living conditions:
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Takeout food containers left in the kitchen
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Spoiled fruit and unfinished meals
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Painkillers, sleep medication, and medical supplies
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Minimal clothing and personal belongings
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Everyday hygiene products scattered throughout rooms
Investigators also found a small religious altar featuring the Virgin of Guadalupe and Saint Jude â often á´ssociated with hope in desperate situations â along with handwritten biblical pá´ssages.
Mexican authorities reportedly located El Mencho after tracking movements linked to a close á´ssociate.
When military forces surrounded the property, the cartel leader allegedly attempted to flee through wooded terrain behind the villa. He was sHŕšĎ during the pursuit and later died from his injuries while being transported by helicopter for medical treatment.
Burned vehicles and damage across nearby roads reflected the intensity of clashes that followed the operation.
A Violent Ending in a Tourist Paradise
Tapalpa has long been known for its golf courses, mountain cabins, and weekend tourism. However, investigators have previously linked properties in the region to suspected cartel money laundering operations.
The death of El Mencho marks a significant blow to the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), though security experts warn it could trigger internal power struggles and renewed violence across Mexico.
