Alleged Drug Lord Is Linked to Camacho

Hector (Macho) Camacho, the World Boxing Organization’s junior welterweight champion, allegedly spent $8,000 given to his sister by reputed drug lord Ricardo Melendez, the Daily News of New York reported in today’s editions.

Camacho’s sister, Racquel, testified Thursday that Camacho had ties with Melendez, who is being tried in Brooklyn Federal Court on charges he ran a $120 million-a-year heroin ring between 1985 and 1989.

Racquel Camacho, who dated Melendez two years ago, said Melendez gave her money to buy an $80,000 Mercedes-Benz he registered in her name. She also testified that her brother spent $8,000 that Melendez had given her at a Christmas Eve party in 1988.

“I took the money,” the boxer told the Daily News from his home in Puerto Rico. “I support my family. I give my sister $200 to $300 a week.”

Camacho told the News he knew Melendez only as the man who was dating his sister. He said he went to the Christmas party and became angry when Melendez made fun of his clothes.

“Everybody there was wearing a tuxedo, and I was dressed Macho-style. I knew where the money came from, and I took it to teach him a lesson,” he said.

Camacho, who has been subpoenaed to testify before a grand jury about his knowledge of Melendez’s alleged drug dealings, denied involvement with drugs.

“I’m the Macho Man, and I never sold or did drugs. I’m 100% legitimate,” he told the News.