PUERTO VALLARTA (PVDN) – In a robust effort to impede illicit operations and cross-border criminal activities, the United States has announced sanctions against two high-ranking officers of the Jalisco Nueva Generación Cartel (CJNG) involved in high-caliber firearms trafficking from the US, as well as fuel theft and drug trafficking.
The sanctions were announced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the Treasury Department. In addition to the two CJNG operatives, OFAC also imposed sanctions on an individual and a Mexican entity believed to be facilitating money laundering for the CJNG.
Targeting Criminal Networks
The sanctioned drug traffickers are Alonso Guerrero Covarrubias, alias ‘El Ocho’, and Javier Guerrero Covarrubias, both recognized members of the CJNG. The pair have been implicated in various criminal activities in both Mexico and the US.
“CJNG relies on a network of criminal activity that ultimately strengthens its ability to traffic fentanyl and other deadly drugs into the United States. Today’s action disrupts key support networks involved in arms trafficking, fuel theft and drug-related money laundering,” said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson.
Sanctions Extend to CJNG Collaborators
Beyond the two CJNG members, US sanctions were also extended to Mary Cruz Rodríguez Aguirre. US authorities maintain that Rodríguez Aguirre operates a money laundering network that moves illicit funds between the United States and Mexico.
“Mary Cruz Rodríguez Aguirre works as an intermediary for CJNG regional commander, Audias Flores Silva, organizing the movement of drug proceeds from the United States to Mexico,” authorities disclosed.
Flores Silva had been identified by OFAC as a “significant drug trafficker” under the ‘Foreign Drug Kingpin Designation Act’ in April 2021. The State Department subsequently offered a reward of up to $5 million for information leading to his arrest and/or conviction through its Narcotics Rewards Program.
Money Laundering Network Revealed
Rodríguez Aguirre is alleged to have used Nacer Agencia Panamericana de Divisas y Centro Cambiario, SA de CV, a currency exchange house, along with a network of US-based companies, to launder illicit narcotics proceeds from the United States to Mexico.
From 2020 to 2022, Rodríguez Aguirre reportedly facilitated the collection and laundering of over $6 million.
Consequences of Sanctions
Following the sanctions, all property and interests in property of the designated persons and entities that are in the US or in the possession or control of US persons are to be blocked and reported to OFAC.
Entities owned, directly or indirectly, by 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons, are also blocked under the sanctions.
OFAC regulations generally prohibit all transactions by or within the United States persons (including transactions transiting the United States) that involve any property or interest in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons.
