'El Ricardito' allegedly ran drug ring from prison, prosecutor says

Ricardo Cáceres, also known as "El Ricardito," allegedly orchestrated a significant drug trafficking operation from within a Uruguayan prison, continuing to exert control over street-level drug sales and communications with his associates. Investigators revealed that Cáceres, the half-brother of notorious figure Luis "Betito" Suárez, used his notoriety, even stating "I'm the one you see on TV," to assert his authority.

According to Stella Llorente, a prosecutor with the 2nd Turn Narcotics Prosecutor's Office, Cáceres led a network of drug points in the Cerro neighborhood. This operation involved individuals responsible for supplying drugs, collecting money, guarding drug houses, monitoring surveillance cameras, and managing various storage and sales locations. The investigation gained momentum following tips from confidential sources and neighborhood complaints about drug trafficking in the area, which corroborated existing police intelligence.

Cáceres had prior convictions for drug trafficking organization, extortion, private violence, and assault. One of the key locations identified in the investigation was at the intersection of Egipto and Estados Unidos streets, known as "la escalerita." This area recently saw a triple homicide, suspected to be the work of a rival gang. The drug network operated 24 hours a day, with a constant flow of consumers.

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I'm the one you see on TV.

The investigation also uncovered the role of Cáceres' wife, who served as the primary communication channel between her incarcerated husband and other members of the organization. She was also responsible for managing a portion of the collected funds. Her involvement led to a conviction of four years and seven months in prison for dealing in prohibited narcotic substances and criminal association.

Further details emerged about a key logistical player, identified as Cáceres' brother-in-law. This individual allegedly provided transportation, including a motorcycle and an electric scooter, for other members to manage and monitor the sales points. He was found to be living in one of the drug houses, where drugs and money were discovered. Despite his attempts to claim he had a tenant, investigators found personal belongings linking him directly to the property and the organization. His wife's vehicle, though registered to a third party, was reportedly used in various surveillance tasks, with the third party confirming Cáceres' wife as the actual owner.

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Cáceres led from prison a network of sales points in Cerro, with people in charge of supplying drugs, collecting money, guarding drug houses, monitoring cameras, and traveling to different storage and sales locations.