The US Department of the Treasury has imposed sanctions on four individuals linked to the Mexico-based Cartel del Noreste, including the popular hip-hop artist El Makabelico. The sanctions target three high-ranking members of the cartel, Abdon Rodriguez, Antonio Romero, and Francisco Esqueda, as well as an alleged prominent associate, Ricardo Hernandez, known as El Makabelico.
According to the Treasury, El Makabelico’s concerts and events are used to launder money on behalf of the organization, with 50% of his royalties from streaming platforms going directly to the group. The Treasury identified the cartel as one of Mexico’s most violent drug trafficking organizations, wielding significant influence along the US-Mexico border.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, “The Treasury Department will continue to be relentless in its effort to put America First by targeting terrorist drug cartels. These cartels poison Americans with fentanyl and conduct human smuggling operations along our southwest border.” Bessent added, “Treasury, in close coordination with our law enforcement partners, is committed to a full-frontal assault on the cartels, targeting the leadership and revenue streams that enable their horrific crimes.”
The Cartel del Noreste was among those designated as “global terrorist organizations” by the Trump administration in February. The Treasury has previously sanctioned two high-ranking members of the cartel in May, and the latest sanctions are part of a broader effort to disrupt the cartel’s activities, including drug trafficking, extortion, and money laundering.
The sanctions aim to target the leadership and revenue streams that enable the cartel’s crimes. The Treasury Department’s actions demonstrate its commitment to tackling the complex issue of drug trafficking and its impact on the US.