US sanctions Gamaliel Garza García over Cartel del Noreste links
Gamaliel Garza García faces new U.S. sanctions targeting alleged Cartel del Noreste networks across New Mexico and northern Mexico. The penalties freeze American assets tied to four people and 11 businesses accused of cartel support. The action targets horse racing, construction, trucking and fuel entities.
The U.S. Treasury Department announced the measures on Tuesday. The federal agency identified Garza García as a Mexico-based businessman and horse racing enthusiast. Treasury officials said he races at tracks in New Mexico and California.
The agency did not identify specific U.S. tracks. It did not accuse those racing tracks of wrongdoing.
“Today’s action exposes Cartel del Noreste’s exploitation of the horse racing sector to launder illicit proceeds and finance cartel operations,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said.
The group operates from a stronghold in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas. The Treasury said it uses commercial businesses to influence government contracts. The United States designated the group as a foreign terrorist organization in February 2025.
Garza García controls Cuadra San Dibanh, a quarter horse stable in Anáhuac, Nuevo León. Treasury officials said its horses compete at Club La Molienda outside Nuevo Laredo. The venue includes a racetrack, restaurant and bar.
The Treasury said the cartel controls Club La Molienda. The group collects fees from horse owners and spectators. Members also purchase horses from the United States to race there.
Officials said Miguel Ángel Treviño Morales, known as “Z-40”, controls the venue through associates. He remains in U.S. custody. The venue ran a wagering partnership with Casino Centenario, where Mexican authorities suspended operations in April.
The department accused Garza García’s firm, Construcciones y Edificaciones Garza Elías, of funding favored election campaigns. It allegedly obtained public works projects for Nuevo Laredo and Tamaulipas through corruption. Garza García also established Concretos y Productos Asfálticos del Norte to supply building materials.
The enforcement action also named Tamex Leasing, a trucking company in Nuevo Laredo. Authorities intercepted two U.S.-bound shipments carrying 52 kilograms of cocaine hidden in trailer brake drums from its yard. Treasury penalized dispatcher Francisco Javier Inzunza Partida for dispatching both trailers.
The fourth individual is Pablo César Guajardo Álvarez, known as “Takia.” Treasury identified him as a plaza boss in Nuevo Laredo. The department accused him of trafficking weapons.
Federal officials traced the scheme back to Los Zetas and the Treviño brothers. Front operators spent $16 million across New Mexico, Oklahoma, California and Texas between 2008 and 2012. U.S. authorities seized 455 horses in June 2012.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control enforces economic sanctions to protect national security. Designated parties have their property blocked under U.S. jurisdiction. American citizens are barred from doing business with listed individuals and firms.
Aracely Lazcano can be reached at [email protected].
