U.S. Sanctions Target Companies Tied to Cartel Activity
A construction company linked to drug cartels and now under sanctions from the U.S. Department of the Treasury has been involved in building a significant international port that connects Nuevo Leon in Mexico with Texas. This situation has ignited considerable political strife as border state governments seek to distance themselves from firms implicated by the U.S. for allegedly facilitating money laundering for the Cartel Del Noreste of Los Zetas.
The Treasury’s recent announcement included sanctions against four individuals and 11 companies associated with the CDN-Los Zetas, according to reports. These companies encompass a variety of businesses, such as a horse racetrack with dining facilities, a trucking service, and multiple construction and gas companies.
A report by the organization Mexicanos Contra La Corrupcion e Impunidad disclosed that one of the implicated firms, Construcciones y Edificaciones Garza Elias S.A. (CEGESA), along with its leaders, Gamaliel Garza Garcia and his son, had secured numerous contracts with the Nuevo Leon government. Notably, one of these contracts was directly linked to the construction efforts at the Colombia International Port of Entry.
As per the report, CEGESA was awarded two contracts in 2023 worth 94 million Pesos (around $5.2 million USD) to build toll booths and access roads for the port. Additionally, they were contracted to enhance a tourist rest area at the site. The company also received a contract back in 2022 for 15 million Pesos (about $800,000) for landscaping and materials needed for the entry point.
These contracts align with information from the U.S. Treasury, which accused Garza Garcia and his son of bribing Mexican officials to obtain such contracts. Authorities allege that their businesses were involved in laundering funds for the cartel.
In response, the government of the neighboring Tamaulipas state issued a statement indicating that a review of their records showed that none of the sanctioned companies or individuals had obtained any contracts since the current administration assumed office in 2022.
