US Treasury Sanctions Mexican Drug Cartel Leaders
WASHINGTON – On Wednesday, the US Treasury Department sanctioned a high-ranking member of a notorious Mexican drug cartel, allowing him to continue trafficking fentanyl into the United States. Additionally, a well-known rapper believed to be funding this cartel with over half of his earnings was also targeted.
The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control identified Cartel del Noreste as one of Mexico’s deadliest drug organizations, operating near the Laredo border. They are now classified among foreign terrorist groups by the US.
The rapper, Ricardo Hernandez Medrano, known by his stage names “El Macabellico” and “Commando Extrucibo,” reportedly diverted over 50% of his streaming income to support the cartel. This funding is believed to be in the thousands of dollars and is associated with various illicit activities.
Medrano has a significant online presence, boasting approximately 2.8 million YouTube subscribers, 1.3 million followers on TikTok, and 1 million on Instagram.
Three additional members of the Cartel del Noreste – Abdorn Federi Collo Driguez Garcia, Antonio Romelo Sanchez, and Francisco Daniel Esque Danieto – were also sanctioned.
According to the Treasury Department, Rodriguez, known as “Kucho,” has been involved in drug trafficking, money laundering, and fuel theft. He has been affiliated with the cartel for years and was arrested back in 2013.
Romero, going by “Romeo,” has been labeled as a dangerous fugitive linked to brutal acts like beheadings and assassination attempts against government officials in Nuevo Laredo.
Esqueda, referred to as “Frankie Esqueda,” has gained notoriety for his violent actions, even leading a military assault earlier this year during operations against cartel kingpin Ricardo Gonzalez Saudusa, who was captured in February.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bescent emphasized the government’s commitment to combating drug cartels under President Trump. He noted, “These cartels poison Americans with fentanyl and exploit vulnerable individuals along the border.” He underscored the Treasury’s collaboration with law enforcement to disrupt cartel activities, focusing on leadership and financial networks.
The sanctions effectively freeze cartel leaders’ access to US assets and profits, prohibiting them from engaging with entities under American jurisdiction.
Since taking office, Bescent has actively targeted various criminal organizations flooding the US with fentanyl, expressing that the issue is deeply personal for him, particularly as many families have suffered losses due to the ongoing crisis.
