U.S. Treasury Imposes Largest Sanctions on Mexican Drug Cartel
In a significant move against drug-related violence, the U.S. Treasury Department unveiled what it describes as “historic” sanctions targeting one of Mexico’s most notorious drug cartels. The actions mark the most extensive sanctions ever placed on the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a prominent player in drug production and smuggling that has left a trail of violence in its wake since its inception over ten years ago.
The U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control has sanctioned over 50 individuals and businesses believed to be associated with the cartel. Among those sanctioned is Juan Carlos Valencia González, also known as “Pelón,” who is identified by the Treasury as the cartel’s new leader. This shift in leadership follows the death of Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, or “El Mencho,” who was killed earlier this year during a Mexican military operation.
The sanctions extend beyond leadership figures to include other individuals suspected of involvement in the cartel’s drug trafficking and money laundering operations, as well as businesses allegedly connected to these activities.
In the previous year, the Trump administration designated the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and several other criminal organizations in Mexico as foreign terrorist organizations. Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent emphasized the administration’s commitment to dismantling these groups, stating, “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.”
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