Ezequiel Riquelme detained in Rosario drug gang operation

Ezequiel Riquelme, a 19‑year‑old son of convicted narcotrafficker Francisco "Fran" Riquelme, was arrested on Friday during a coordinated police sweep in Rosario, Argentina. The operation, carried out by the Central Intelligence and Special Operations units, involved ten separate raids across the city’s north‑west districts, including a temporary‑rental apartment in the Condominios del Alto complex.

Authorities allege that Ezequiel played a key role in managing the criminal organization linked to his father, who is serving a life sentence for multiple shootings, extortions and drug‑related crimes. Investigators are also probing his alleged connections to members of the Rosario Central fan group, which has been under scrutiny following the murder of a supporter in November 2024. The young suspect has been placed under the custody of the public prosecutor and will face forthcoming hearings.

The raids were ordered by prosecutors Patricio Saldutti, Marina Vigo, Diego Giro and Mercedes Banchio, targeting suspected violent and micro‑trafficking activities tied to the Riquelme family’s network.