On Wednesday, the U.S. Treasury imposed sanctions on significant figures within the Mexican drug cartel known as Cartel del Noreste, which is notorious for trafficking fentanyl into the United States. This operation targets one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, recognized as a foreign terror entity by the U.S. government. The sanctions aim to disrupt the cartel’s operations, particularly its influence along the Texas border, focusing on key players involved in drug trafficking and violence.
Among those sanctioned is rapper Ricardo Hernandez Medrano, also known as “El Makabelico” or “Comando Exclusivo.” Medrano is alleged to be financially intertwined with the cartel, reportedly sharing up to 50% of his streaming revenue, which amounts to thousands of dollars, to support their illicit activities, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, and extortion. His online presence is substantial, with millions of followers across platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram, highlighting the concern over the intersection of entertainment and organized crime.
The sanctions also extend to three prominent cartel members: Abdon Federico Rodriguez Garcia, Antonio Romero Sanchez, and Francisco Daniel Esqueda Nieto. Rodriguez, known as “Cucho,” has been associated with various criminal activities, including drug trafficking and money laundering, and has been a longstanding member of the cartel since being arrested in 2013. In contrast, Romero, nicknamed “Romeo,” is notorious for his violent history, implicated in executions and assassination attempts against officials in Nuevo Laredo.
Esqueda, referred to as “Franky Esqueda,” has taken a leadership role within the cartel, even assaulting government officials during a recent crackdown. His involvement includes attacking a helicopter as part of efforts to apprehend cartel kingpin Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda, who was captured in February. These individuals represent the cartel’s brutal approach, which has resulted in significant violence and fear in both Mexico and the U.S.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized the proactive approach the department is taking against drug cartels, stating their commitment to prioritizing American interests amid ongoing fentanyl crises. He labeled the drugs as a source of poison to Americans and underscored the importance of targeting the leadership and financial resources of these criminal organizations. The statement reflects the department’s strategy to not just combat drug trafficking but also address the broader impacts of the associated violence and human trafficking.
The sanctions implemented on these cartel leaders and affiliates block any interests they have in the U.S., as well as in entities controlled by them. This action is part of a larger initiative targeting organized crime networks responsible for the fentanyl epidemic, a crisis that has profoundly affected countless families across America. As Bessent has articulated, the urgency to address this issue is heightened by personal connections to families who have suffered losses due to overdose-related incidents, further compelling the government to take decisive action against such dangerous entities.
