https://www.kgns.tv/2026/04/14/treasury-sanctions-cartel-linked-casinos-operatives-near-laredo/

LAREDO, Tex. (KGNS) - The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Tuesday that is has sanctioned six targets allegedly involved in a money-laundering and cash-smuggling enterprise operated by Cartel del Noreste (CDN).

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) targeted three individuals and two casinos affiliated with CDN, a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization that operates along the U.S.-Mexico border near Laredo, TX.

According to the statement released by the department the three individuals play central roles in CDN’s criminal operations in the Nuevo Laredo plaza in Tamaulipas, Mexico. It alleges the three supported the cartel’s fentanyl trafficking, human smuggling, money laundering and extortion activities.

Casinos alleged use for drug storage, money laundering

OFAC has labeled Casino Centenario, a Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas-based casino, as a stash house used by CDN. OFAC alleged in its release that the casino was used as a stash house for fentanyl pills and cocaine, as well as a vehicle to launder illicit proceeds and integrate them into the legitimate financial system through its gaming operations.

The report also said CDN uses the backrooms of Casino Centenario to torture and intimidate alleged enemies of the cartel. Many CDN members also frequent Casino Centenario.

Additionally, the OFAC also designated CAMSA and Diamante Casino, which has a location in Tampico, Tamaulipas, as well as a gambling website.

The action reflects a coordinated investigation led by the Homeland Security Task Force (HSTF) involving the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA’s) Laredo District Office and San Antonio Division Office.

The action was taken in accordance with Executive Order 14059, which targets international drug proliferation, and Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and their supporters.

“As President Trump has made clear, Treasury will use all tools to protect our nation from violent cartels looking to reign terror on innocent Americans,” stated Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent in the press release. “Treasury will continue to target the diverse revenue streams that cartels rely on to sustain their operations, which include trafficking fentanyl and illegal aliens into the United States.”

The Treasury has identified the CDN primarily based in the Mexican states of Tamaulipas, Coahuila, and Nuevo Leon. It also claimed that or decades, CDN has been involved in the trafficking of narcotics and other illicit drugs, including fentanyl, crystal methamphetamine, heroin, marijuana, and cocaine

Tuesday’s announcement from OFAC also revealed people considered key associates:

Eduardo Javier Islas Valdez (Islas), also known as “Crosty,” who is in charge of CDN human smuggling operations in Nuevo Laredo. Valdez allegedly is in charge of CDN human smuggling operations in Nuevo Laredo.

Juan Pablo Penilla Rodriguez(Penilla), a defense attorney, who allegedly provides illegal services to CDN members beyond the scope of a normal attorney-client relationship.

Jesus Reymundo Ramos Vazquez(Ramos), better known as Raymundo Ramos, is allegedly a CDN associate that leads the CDN disinformation campaign against Mexican authorities while posing as a “human rights” activist.

As a result of Tuesday’s action, the OFAC said that all property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC.

OFAC also shared that following Tuesday’s actions U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting any transactions with Casino Centenario.

Lastly, the OFAC issued a general license supporting transactions to wind down operations with CAMSA, Casino Centenario and Diamante Casino by U.S. persons.

City of Laredo responds

Laredo Mayor Dr. Victor Trevino issued the following statement on April 14:

“The City of Laredo was notified and is aware of the recent action taken by the U.S. Department of the Treasury involving the sanctioning of cartel-linked casinos and individuals operating along the U.S.-Mexico border, including one located in close proximity to the Laredo area,” Trevino said. “This development underscores the evolving concerns with organizations, which increasingly attempt to exploit legitimate businesses to finance illicit operations. This investigation and enforcement action is still ongoing. The City of Laredo is actively coordinating with federal and state partners and will continue to support enforcement efforts. As the nation’s leading inland port in the Western Hemisphere, Laredo remains committed to lawful trade, strong binational partnerships, and maintaining public trust. City leadership will continue to monitor developments closely and take all appropriate steps to safeguard the community.”