The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned three high-ranking members and one associate of the Mexico-based Cartel del Noreste (CDN), a violent drug trafficking organization, to disrupt its operations and revenue streams.
This action reflects a broader U.S. effort to combat drug cartels threatening national security.
Restricting Mexican Cartels
The sanctions target individuals involved in various criminal activities, including drug trafficking, human smuggling, extortion, money laundering, and violent crimes such as assassinations and beheadings.
These measures aim to weaken CDN’s operational capacity by blocking property and prohibiting transactions with U.S. persons.
Among those sanctioned are Abdon Federico Rodriguez Garcia, Antonio Romero Sanchez, Francisco Daniel Esqueda Nieto, and Ricardo Hernandez Medrano.
Their roles within CDN range from tactical operations leadership to money laundering through entertainment channels like concerts and streaming royalties.
International Cooperation
The U.S. Department of the Treasury is working closely with law enforcement partners such as ICE, HSI, DEA, and Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit to enforce these sanctions effectively.
This collaboration underscores the importance of international partnerships in addressing transnational crime that destabilizes border security.
Strategic Actions
- Sanctions block property and prohibit transactions with U.S. persons.
- Targeted individuals are involved in drug trafficking and violent crimes.
- Efforts include disrupting money laundering through entertainment channels.
- Coordination with Mexican authorities enhances enforcement effectiveness.
Quotes from Leadership
U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent stated,
Treasury will continue to be relentless in its effort to put America First by targeting terrorist drug cartels.
Bessent further emphasized the commitment by saying,
Treasury is committed to a full-frontal assault on the cartels.
Bessent also remarked on accountability:
The Trump Administration will hold these terrorists accountable for their criminal activities.
Additional Reading
In Conclusion
The recent sanctions against Cartel del Noreste highlight ongoing efforts by the U.S. government to combat narco-terrorism along its borders.
By targeting key figures within CDN’s hierarchy and disrupting their financial networks, these actions aim to enhance border security while reinforcing international cooperation against transnational crime.
Sources: The US Treasury, Straights Times, and Axios.
Prepared by Ivan Alexander Golden, Founder of THX News™, an independent news organization delivering timely insights from global official sources. Combines AI-analyzed research with human-edited accuracy and context.