The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on two senior members of the Cartel del Noreste (CDN), a violent drug trafficking organization based in Mexico. The sanctions target Miguel Angel de Anda Ledezma and Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda, both residing in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas.
CDN, formerly known as Los Zetas, is recognized as one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico and has been designated by the U.S. as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO). The cartel is involved in various illegal activities including drug trafficking, arms trafficking, human trafficking, money laundering, vehicle theft, and oil theft.
"In working toward the total elimination of cartels to Make America Safe Again, the Trump Administration will hold these terrorists accountable for their criminal activities and abhorrent acts of violence," stated Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent. He emphasized that CDN leaders have conducted a "violent campaign of intimidation, kidnapping, and terrorism."
The action against CDN was coordinated with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), along with Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit.
The sanctions were enacted under Executive Order 14059 targeting illicit drugs proliferation and Executive Order 13224 targeting terrorists. CDN's involvement in an attack on the U.S. Consulate in Nuevo Laredo in March 2022 was highlighted as part of its terrorist activities.
Miguel Angel de Anda Ledezma is identified as overseeing gun procurement for CDN. Ricardo Gonzalez Sauceda was arrested by Mexican authorities earlier this year for his role in leading an armed enforcement wing within CDN.
These sanctions block all property interests of De Anda and Gonzalez within U.S. jurisdiction and prohibit transactions involving them unless authorized by OFAC. Violations could lead to civil or criminal penalties.
OFAC maintains that its sanctions aim not to punish but to induce positive behavioral changes. Further information on these designations can be accessed through OFAC resources.
