WASHINGTON — The US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has sanctioned 10 individuals, including members of the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, and one Mexican entity. The sanctions target drug trafficking, precursor chemical sales, and other illicit activities. The Sinaloa Cartel, particularly its Los Chapitos faction, is a powerful global drug trafficking organization responsible for a significant portion of deadly drugs, including fentanyl, entering the US. Emily’s Hope reported in May on previous sanctions by the OFAC against the son of drug lord Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman, and three other high-ranking members of the Sinaloa cartel
Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, Brian E. Nelson stated that the sanctions demonstrate the government’s determination to disrupt the illicit fentanyl trade and hold those profiting from it accountable.
The sanctioned individuals include Noel Lopez Perez, Ricardo Paez Lopez, Dora Vanessa Valdez Fernandez, Nestor Isidro Perez Salas, Oscar Noe Medina Gonzalez, and Jeuri Limon Elenes. They are involved in drug trafficking, transportation, precursor chemical sales, violent enforcement, and methamphetamine trafficking. These individuals are associated with the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The OFAC also designated a Mexican import/export company, REI Compania Internacional, S.A. de C.V., and its majority shareholder, Eliseo de Leon Becerra, for their role in the international proliferation of illicit drugs.
The Treasury’s move aligns with the government’s broader strategy to combat drug trafficking globally. It follows the recent launch of a Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, involving numerous countries and organizations, to disrupt criminal organizations and support individuals in recovery.
