The United States imposed economic sanctions on drug traffickers high ranking members of the armed wing of a Mexican drug cartel that thepear on the border in and around Chihuahua, Mexico; In addition, they are linked to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and the Juárez Cartel.
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Treasury Department reported that these are five Mexicans and two companies linked to La Línea, a violent organization settled in Mexico who traffics fentanyl and other synthetic drugs towards the United States.
The designated members are considered high-ranking leaders and operators within the group.
Among them are four men and one woman who are dedicated to drug trafficking, human trafficking and weapons smuggling. All of them are originally from Chihuahua.
These illicit activities are carried out in Ciudad Juárez, located in the border state of Chihuahua, considered one of the main strongholds of La Línea, due to its proximity to the United States.
Who are those sanctioned by the Treasury Department?
- Josefa Yadira Carrasco Leyva, alias ‘La Wera’. Age: 45 years. She is considered a high-ranking member. She is involved in drug trafficking and weapons smuggling.
- Jorge Adrian Ortega Gallegosalias ‘El Naranjas’. Age: 41 years. This individual had already been charged in the District of New Mexico for drug conspiracy.
- Heber Nieto Fierroalias ‘Ever Nieto’. Age: 49 years. He is identified as a drug trafficker and money launderer.
- Jesús Salas Aguayo, alias ‘Chuy’. Age: 48 years. He is a partner of the Line that controls a plaza in Chihuahua.
- Adrián Aguayo, alias ‘La Roberta’. Age: 44 years. He is considered the person in charge of controlling a plaza in Chihuahua, like ‘Chuy’.
The latest action aims to curb a major source of fentanyl entering the United States; The powerful opioid is the deadliest drug in the United States today.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that drug overdose deaths in the United States have increased more than sevenfold from 2015 to 2021, although the agency reported a 3% decline in the number of drug overdose deaths. drugs this year.
In the last two years, the US Treasury Department has sanctioned more than 350 people and companies related to drug trafficking, from cartel leaders to laboratories and suppliers.
Mexico and China are the main sources of fentanyl and fentanyl-related substances trafficked directly into the United States, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration, which is tasked with combating illicit drug trafficking.
Almost all of the chemical precursors needed to make fentanyl come from China.
La Línea, the Juárez Cartel and the CJNG are known for inflicting violence on innocent people, and United States authorities have gone after them: In July 2022, a federal judge in North Dakota ordered La Línea to pay 4,600 millions of dollars in monetary damages to the families of nine Americans killed in an ambush in northern Mexico on November 4, 2019.
The US issues a warning for the activity of La Línea, a group linked to the CJNG and the Juárez Cartel
Treasury Department Undersecretary Wally Adeyemo said in a statement issued Thursday that “if La Línea continues to directly contribute to the proliferation of deadly fentanyl in our communities, Treasury will continue to use every tool in our arsenal to go after its activity.” criminal”.
President Joe Biden’s administration has taken a series of actions against fentanyl traffickers: charging powerful drug traffickers with money laundering crimes and announcing indictments and sanctions against Chinese companies and executives blamed for importing chemicals used to make the drug. dangerous drug.
US launched Strike Force against Fentanyl
In December 2023, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen launched a Fentanyl Strike Force that brings together personnel and intelligence from across the Treasury Department, from its sanctions and intelligence units to the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigations, to collaborate more effectively in stopping the flow of drugs into the country.
And Biden signed the bipartisan law into law as part of the expense package supplemental in April that, among other things, declares that international trafficking of fentanyl is a national emergency.
The fight fentanyl has increasingly become a political theme. Republicans point out that fentanyl trafficking across the border between USA y Mexico should be considered together with the problems of migrationwhich are a focal point of the 2024 presidential election.
The Republican presidential candidate, the former president Donald Trumphas blamed migrants for the drug trafficking such as fentanyl, although federal data suggests that many people trafficking fentanyl across the border are U.S. citizens.
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**Interview with Dr. Maria Sanchez, Drug Policy Expert and Associate Professor at the University of Texas El Paso**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Sanchez. The recent sanctions by the U.S. on high-ranking members of La Línea are quite significant. Can you elaborate on the implications of these sanctions for U.S.-Mexico relations?
**Dr. Sanchez:** Absolutely. These sanctions highlight the U.S. government’s commitment to combatting the opioid crisis, particularly the fentanyl epidemic. By targeting key individuals and organizations involved in the trafficking, it sends a strong message to Mexico about the serious nature of this problem. However, it also adds another layer of complexity to U.S.-Mexico relations, as both countries must collaborate effectively to combat these transnational criminal organizations.
**Interviewer:** The sanctions specifically target leaders involved in drug trafficking, human trafficking, and weapons smuggling. Why is targeting leadership in organizations like La Línea essential for disrupting their operations?
**Dr. Sanchez:** Targeting leadership is crucial because these individuals are responsible for orchestrating the operations and maintaining control over their networks. By removing or incapacitating these leaders, you disrupt the chain of command, strike a blow to their operational capacity, and create discord within the cartel. This can lead to power struggles, which often result in a decrease in illicit activities as the organization regroups or fragments.
**Interviewer:** The recent report indicates a surge in overdose deaths linked to fentanyl over recent years. How do you see the U.S. government’s strategy evolving in addressing this crisis?
**Dr. Sanchez:** The U.S. government is increasingly recognizing that a multifaceted approach is necessary. This includes stringent law enforcement actions like the current sanctions, along with public health campaigns to reduce demand through education and access to treatment. Additionally, there is a focus on international cooperation to stem the flow of precursors used to manufacture fentanyl, especially from countries like China.
**Interviewer:** Officials state that La Línea, CJNG, and the Juárez Cartel are known for their violence. How does this violence impact local communities in Mexico, especially in border areas like Ciudad Juárez?
**Dr. Sanchez:** The violence has a devastating impact. It creates an environment of fear and instability for ordinary citizens. Many families are caught in the crossfire, resulting in loss of life and displacement. Moreover, it hampers local economies, as businesses may close and deter investment. The situation is dire, and without addressing both the drug issue and associated violence, recovery efforts will be severely challenged.
**Interviewer:** In light of the Treasury Department’s statement about continuing action against La Línea, what might we expect moving forward?
**Dr. Sanchez:** I expect we will see further sanctions and possibly enhanced intelligence-sharing efforts between the U.S. and Mexico. The federal government is likely to increase pressure on not only cartel operatives but also the financial networks that support them. Additionally, collaboration with local law enforcement in Mexico will be critical to make sustained progress against drug trafficking and related violence.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Sanchez, for your insights on this pressing issue. Your expertise helps us understand the complexity of the U.S. response to drug trafficking from Mexico.
**Dr. Sanchez:** Thank you for having me. It’s important to continue these conversations as we navigate these challenging times.