The government of U.S. President Donald Trump announced this Wednesday sanctions against three leaders of the Mexican Northeast Cartel, formerly known as Los Zetas, including its number two, Abdn Federico Rodríguez García, alias “Cucho,” for “narcoterrorism.”

Washington launched a crusade against drug trafficking, and the Northeast Cartel (CDC) is one of eight criminal groups designated as “global terrorist” organizations.

The group is “one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico” and “exerts significant influence” on the border with the United States, the Treasury Department said in a statement.

“The cartel’s role in fentanyl trafficking and human smuggling into the United States puts American lives at risk,” it warned.

Accused of executions, beheadings, and money laundering

The Trump administration sanctions the “Cucho,” the “second in command of the CDN,” is charged with drug trafficking, money laundering, fuel theft, and extortion, in addition to ordering executions.

The government also targets Antonio Romero Sánchez, nicknamed “Romeo,” describing him as “a former Tamaulipas police officer and violent fugitive” who “has been linked to numerous executions and beheadings, as well as the attempted murder of a government official.”

The third person sanctioned is Francisco Daniel Esqueda Nieto, also known as “Franky de la Joya,” allegedly involved in cartel operations since he operated as Los Zetas.

In addition, the United States is sanctioning an associate of the group, drug rapper Ricardo Hernández Medrano, known by his stage names El Makabelico or Comando Exclusive. His concerts "are used to launder money on behalf of the organization," according to the U.S. Treasury Department.