The Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned a network of nine Mexican nationals involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. The individuals are linked to the Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion (CJNG), a violent Mexico-based organization responsible for a significant amount of fentanyl and other drugs entering the United States.
“Today’s action underscores our commitment to target the networks of suppliers and facilitators that enable the illicit flow of deadly drugs into the United States, endangering the lives of our citizens,” said Bradley T. Smith, Acting Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. He emphasized that collaboration with Mexican government partners will continue to disrupt criminal schemes.
The sanctions fall under Executive Order 14059, targeting persons involved in global illicit drug trade. This action was coordinated with several U.S. agencies and the Government of Mexico, including its Financial Intelligence Unit.
Treasury’s role is part of President Biden’s Unity Agenda to counter drug trafficking by leveraging financial crime expertise. Over two years, more than 300 targets have been sanctioned for involvement in drug activities across all supply chain stages.
The sanctioned individuals include members from Xalisco, Nayarit, Mexico, known as “Bonques Brothers.” They are connected to CJNG leaders Ruben Oseguera Cervantes and Audias Flores Silva. Roberto Castellanos Meza leads this group involved in heroin production and cocaine trafficking.
Jose Adrian Castillo Lopez is identified as a CJNG plaza boss in Nayarit, Mexico, supplying narcotics across several U.S. states. Luis Alonso Navarro Quezada operates under him and faces charges related to fentanyl distribution and other crimes.
OFAC has previously sanctioned CJNG under various acts for its role in international narcotics trafficking. As part of today’s actions, property interests tied to these individuals within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked.
These efforts align with broader initiatives against illicit drug threats causing numerous American deaths annually. OFAC remains committed to holding accountable those involved in illegal drug manufacturing and sales while providing pathways for removal from sanctions lists when appropriate behavior changes occur.
