U.S. Sanctions Hit Drug Trafficking Networks in Colombia and Mexico

The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions on leaders of a Colombian trafficking group and Mexican businesses linked to the Sinaloa Cartel. Treasury's Acting Director, Lisa Palluconi, visiting Colombia and Mexico, focuses on countering drug trafficking and fentanyl smuggling. The action targets businesses and individuals aiding drug networks.

The United States took aim at drug trafficking on Tuesday as the Treasury Department imposed sanctions on leaders of one of Colombia's largest trafficking organizations and businesses in Mexico linked to Sinaloa Cartel fentanyl smugglers.

A senior Treasury Department official is traveling to Colombia and Mexico this week to address issues of money laundering, drug trafficking, and the smuggling of fentanyl into the country. The trip, first reported by Reuters, sees Acting Director of the Office of Foreign Assets Control Lisa Palluconi seeking to curb the fentanyl crisis through sanctions.

Palluconi's meetings in Mexico City will discuss the deadly narcotic, often trafficked into the U.S. via the U.S.-Mexico border from chemicals sourced in China. Fentanyl overdoses continue to rise, becoming the leading cause of death for Americans aged 18 to 45, with over 107,000 drug overdose deaths reported in 2023.

The sanctions, coordinated with Mexico's government, targeted two businesses—a frozen dessert company and a retail pharmacy/supermarket—allegedly set up by U.S.-sanctioned drug traffickers. The Treasury stated that Sinaloa Cartel members frequently use drug profits to establish ostensibly legitimate businesses.

Additionally, five Colombian nationals, identified as leaders within Clan del Golfo, Colombia's largest criminal gang, were targeted. This action was in collaboration with the Colombian National Police and the Drug Enforcement Administration.

(With inputs from agencies.)