On Monday, February 3rd, Mexican authorities arrested Ricardo González Sauceda, known as "El Ricky" or "Mando R," one of the main leaders of the Northeast Cartel (CDN). The joint operation was carried out by the Special Forces of the National Defense, the Security Cabinet, the Secretariat of the Navy (SEMAR), the Attorney General's Office (FGR), and the National Guard (GN).
According to the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), González was considered second in command within the criminal organization. His capture took place in Nuevo Laredo, Tamaulipas, after detailed surveillance by authorities who managed to identify his operational area and movements.
Ricardo González, 27 years old, was arrested when he was seen in public carrying what appeared to be a firearm. Given the risk he posed to the region's security, security personnel intervened and detained the alleged criminal, who was already under investigation for his involvement in violent acts.
Authorities reported that "El Ricky" was involved in serious crimes, including an attack on military personnel in Nuevo Laredo in August 2024, where he coordinated operational cells known as "Los Chukys." This attack resulted in the deaths of two military personnel and five injuries. In 2022, he was attributed responsibility for the deaths of six members of the Civil Force of Nuevo León.
Following his arrest, he was informed of his constitutional rights and was handed over to the Public Ministry to determine his legal situation. He faces multiple charges, including qualified homicide, attempted homicide, attack on official institutions, damage caused by fire, flooding, or explosion, illegal deprivation of liberty, and qualified homicide.
The detention of "El Ricky" represents a step in the ongoing investigations to completely dismantle the operations of the Northeast Cartel and bring other responsible individuals for violence in the region to justice. He is also attributed several homicides, extortions, and direct attacks on local police.
