U.S. Treasury Implements Extensive Sanctions on Notorious Mexican Cartel
The United States has intensified its efforts against organized crime by imposing what it describes as “historic” sanctions on a prominent Mexican drug cartel. This move targets the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a group infamous for its widespread drug operations and violent activities across Mexico.
According to the Treasury Department, these newly imposed sanctions represent the most extensive action taken yet against the cartel, which is a major player in the drug trade and has been linked to significant violence since its inception over a decade ago. The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control has sanctioned over 50 individuals and businesses affiliated with the organization.
Among those sanctioned is Juan Carlos Valencia González, known as “Pelón,” who has been identified as the cartel’s current leader following the demise of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho.” Cervantes was killed in a military operation in Mexico earlier this year.
This latest sanction effort also includes several individuals suspected of involvement in drug trafficking and money laundering, in addition to businesses purportedly connected to these activities.
Previously, the Trump administration had classified the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, along with other criminal organizations based in Mexico, as foreign terrorist organizations.
In a statement, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent emphasized the administration’s commitment to dismantling such cartels. He stated, “President Trump has made clear that terrorist cartels will be dismantled. Today’s action strikes Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion’s leadership, financiers, and criminal networks, denying the cartel the resources it uses to traffic fentanyl, terrorize communities, and threaten American lives.”
