Juan Nepomuceno Guerra
Juan Nepomuceno Guerra | |
|---|---|
Nepomuceno Guerra pictured on far left | |
| Born | Juan Nepomuceno Guerra Cárdenas July 18, 1915 Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico |
| Died | July 12, 2001 (aged 85) Matamoros, Tamaulipas, Mexico |
| Other names | Don Juan; El Padrino; El Padrino de Matamoros |
| Occupation(s) | Gulf Cartel leader and founder |
| Relatives | Juan García Abrego (nephew) |
Juan Nepomuceno Guerra Cárdenas (July 18, 1915 – July 12, 2001) was a Mexican drug lord who founded and led the Gulf Cartel for over 50 years. He is often considered the "godfather" of U.S–Mexico border cartels.
He began his criminal career in the 1930s by smuggling alcohol from Mexico during the Prohibition in the United States. He later diversified to other cross-border smuggling activities. He is the uncle of Juan García Ábrego, his successor in the cartel and once considered Mexico's most-wanted man.