Kiwi describes sheltering in place after Mexican drug lord Nemesio Oseguera killed by security forces

Kiwi Miah Faumuina has been caught up in the recent spell of violence in Mexico.

A Kiwi living in Mexico had to sprint to her friend’s apartment and shelter in place following the death of a drug cartel leader.

Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho”, died on Sunday after a shootout with Mexico’s military.

Cervantes, a former police officer, was the leader of the feared Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) drug cartel.

He was injured during the military operation in Tapalpa, a town in central-western Mexico. Cervantes, 59, and two others died as they were flown to Mexico City.

New Zealander Miah Faumuina was in Guadalajara about 9am on Sunday when the events began.

Dulve Founder Miah Faumuina at her home in Punta Mita, Mexico. Photo / Annaleise Shortland

“I walked to the gym, and 10 minutes in, they all told us to get out,” she told the Herald.

“I started to walk back to where I was staying, and I started to notice everything was closing.

“When I was nearly at my apartment, my friend called me, and he was quite panicked and said, ‘You need to get home now’.

“I sprinted home because I was so scared. I packed all my stuff from the place where I was staying and went to my friend’s apartment.

“It was in the space of two hours where everything unfolded.”

Faumuina told the Herald that being on the streets at the moment was very dangerous.

“As long as I stay inside, follow what they’re saying and shelter, I’m going to be fine.”

Cervantes’ death has sparked security incidents across the country, with violent scenes breaking out.

Buses were set on fire, roads were blocked, and suspected members of organised crime groups clashed with authorities.

Photos shared on social media showed plumes of black smoke rising over the skylines of Guadalajara and Puerto Vallarta.

Faumuina and her friends sheltered in place until the next day, when tensions began to ease.

“Everything is back to normal,” she told the Herald on Wednesday.

Her local friends told her the most recent episode was the worst they had seen.

“Where the whole city has shut down for two days. They had smaller situations happen before, but not in the last 30-40 years.

“My friend said it was as big as what happened with El Chapo’s arrest in 2016.”

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a travel alert for New Zealanders in the affected areas.

They have been encouraged to monitor local media for updates and follow the advice of the local authorities.

“Airlines have suspended some flights in Jalisco, including to Puerto Vallarta,” the Safe Travel website said.

“Due to highway blockades across the country, bus service has been suspended in many areas.

“New Zealanders should contact their airline or travel provider for any updates or disruptions to onward travel.”

Mexican authorities have deployed thousands more troops on the ground to quell further spasms of violence.

The Government sent an additional 2500 troops to Jalisco – one of the host cities in this year’s Fifa World Cup – bringing the troop deployment to 10,000.

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