New Criminal Group Los Menores Dominates Rosario's Drug Trade

The Menores, a recently emerged criminal organization in Argentina’s third-largest city of Rosario, has swiftly risen to prominence through the fragmentation and weakening of established drug cartels. The group is now deeply entrenched in the retail distribution of marijuana and cocaine, alongside online gambling operations and money laundering activities.

Emerging around 2020 as the Monos and Alvarado Clan began to lose their grip on Rosario’s criminal landscape due to arrests and internal strife, Los Menores capitalized on the power vacuum. This period saw a surge in territorial disputes and alliances that allowed them to expand their influence across various neighborhoods of Rosario.

On August 3, 2026, a significant event highlighted the group's growing prominence when a home linked to Matías Ignacio Gazzani, alleged leader of Los Menores, was targeted by gunfire. A banner with a threatening message towards both Gazzani and another suspected member of the organization was left at the scene, marking it as the second such attack in less than three days.

Los Menores’ ascent has been marked by strategic territorial expansion and diversification into multiple criminal enterprises beyond drug trafficking. The group’s operations now encompass not only retail drug sales but also gambling activities conducted both online and in-person. Additionally, they are suspected of engaging in money laundering to launder illicit proceeds from their various criminal ventures.

The organization's rapid rise has been facilitated by its ability to forge alliances with other criminal entities while simultaneously clashing with rivals through violent confrontations. This approach has enabled Los Menores to establish themselves as a dominant force within Rosario’s criminal ecosystem, challenging the traditional power structures that had long controlled the city’s illegal markets.

As Los Menores continues to solidify its position, concerns are growing about the potential for increased violence and instability in Rosario. The group's expansion into new territories and diversification of operations suggest a sophisticated approach to maintaining and increasing their criminal influence. This development underscores the evolving nature of organized crime in Argentina and highlights the need for robust law enforcement strategies to counter such emerging threats.

The recent attacks on key figures within Los Menores indicate ongoing tensions with rival groups, further complicating efforts to stabilize Rosario’s criminal environment. As these dynamics continue to unfold, the future trajectory of Los Menores remains uncertain but likely to have significant implications for crime and public safety in Rosario and beyond.