Mexican international Marquez among 22 sanctioned for drug trade ties

Mexico legend Rafa Marquez is one of 22 people sanctioned for alleged ties to a Guadalajara drug trafficking group.

The United States Treasury announced Wednesday that Marquez and acclaimed norteno band leader Julion Alvarez are among those implicated for connections to the drug trade as a result of a multi-year investigation targeting Raul Flores Hernandez, according to The Associated Press.

The Treasury's statement adds that 43 more entities in Mexico are set for sanctions, including a casino and an unnamed football club.

According to The AP, Marquez has been singled-out for a Guadalajara-based relationship with Flores Hernandez, adding that those sanctioned, "have acted as front persons for him and his (drug trafficking organization) and held assets on their behalf."

U.S. Treasury sanctions typically freeze United States-based assets of individuals or entities named. U.S.-based businesses are also suspended from doing business with sanctioned persons, groups, or businesses.

The AP adds that, "It is the single largest such designation of a drug trafficking organization ever by its Office of Foreign Assets Control."

A former Barcelona and New York Red Bulls star, Marquez currently plays for Guadalajara side Atlas and is the captain of the Mexican national team.