The United States has imposed sanctions on more than a dozen individuals, a Mexican restaurant, and a security firm allegedly connected to the Sinaloa cartel's fentanyl trafficking operations, the Treasury Department announced Wednesday.
Sanctions Target Key Figures
The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control specifically targeted Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas, a fugitive known as Chuy Gonzalez, who is accused of trafficking narcotics into the US and laundering money for the cartel. The State Department has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest since 2024. Additionally, Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles, who allegedly helps launder proceeds from fentanyl and other drugs for the cartel, was also sanctioned.
Restaurant and Security Firm Hit
A restaurant in Chihuahua called Gorditas Chiwas, controlled by sanctioned businessman Alfredo Orozco Romero, was included in the sanctions. A security firm linked to the network was also targeted. These sanctions effectively cut off the entities from the US banking system, prohibit Americans from doing business with them, and block any US-held assets.
Impact on US Financial System
It remains unclear how deeply the sanctioned individuals and firms are embedded in the US financial system. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated, "Treasury will continue to target terrorist cartels and their fentanyl trafficking networks to protect our communities and Keep America Safe."
Fentanyl Crisis in America
Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, is the deadliest drug in the US. A mere 2 milligrams can be fatal. While drug overdose deaths surged by approximately 520% from 1999 to 2023, recent CDC data shows a nearly 3% decline from 2022 to 2023.
Mexico and China are the primary sources of fentanyl and related substances trafficked into the US, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration. Nearly all precursor chemicals for fentanyl originate in China, with companies often using fake return addresses and mislabeling products to evade law enforcement.
US-Mexico Cooperation
President Donald Trump has repeatedly offered to deploy the US military against cartels and designated the Sinaloa cartel as a terrorist group in 2025. The Government of Mexico's financial intelligence unit collaborated with the Treasury and US Drug Enforcement Administration to identify targets for these sanctions.
