U.S. Sanctions Two Sinaloa Cartel Networks for Fentanyl Trafficking

Why it matters locally: California has been heavily impacted by Sinaloa Cartel fentanyl trafficking, with the state accounting for a significant share of overdose deaths linked to the drug. These sanctions target the financial networks that enable the cartel's distribution operations affecting communities across the state.

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Washington D.C. – The United States government imposed sanctions on two networks linked to the Sinaloa Cartel on Wednesday targeting their narcotics trafficking and money laundering activities. The sanctions affect six Mexican citizens and two Mexican firms accused of laundering proceeds from fentanyl and other narcotics sales using cryptocurrency. These entities allegedly acted on behalf of the Sinaloa Cartel. The Treasury Department's press release offers more information on this topic. The U.S. government also sanctioned Jesús González Penuelas and five other Mexican individuals within his organization. The U.S. State Department offered a reward of up to $5 million in 2024 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of González. The Trump administration designated the Sinaloa Cartel as both a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and a Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) last year. The U.S. government views illicit fentanyl, trafficked by the Sinaloa Cartel, as a major threat. Thomas "Tommy" Pigott, spokesperson for the U.S. State Department, stated the U.S. remains committed to protecting Americans from such organizations.