US sanctions target Sinaloa cartel fentanyl network, including Mexican restaurant and security firm

The US imposed fresh sanctions on Wednesday against people and businesses tied to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel. Officials said the action focused on fentanyl trafficking and related money laundering. The measures covered more than a dozen people, a Mexican restaurant, and a security firm. The move aimed to disrupt cartel-linked networks that support drug shipments into the US.

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US authorities said the penalties blocked access to the US banking system and froze any US-based assets. The sanctions also barred dealings with Americans. Officials did not say how much the named targets used the US financial system. The Treasury Department said the steps were meant to limit cartel funding and reduce fentanyl flows.

Sinaloa cartel fentanyl trafficking and new US sanctions

Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control named Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas, a fugitive known as Chuy Gonzalez. US officials alleged Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas trafficked narcotics into the US. Authorities also accused Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas of laundering money for the cartel. The State Department has offered a $5 million reward since 2024 for arrest information.

Another sanctioned person was Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles. US authorities alleged Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles helped launder proceeds from fentanyl and other drugs. Officials linked the activity to support for the Sinaloa cartel’s operations. The announcement listed other targets as well, but did not provide full details in the summary.

The action also covered a restaurant in Chihuahua called Gorditas Chiwas. Authorities said Gorditas Chiwas was controlled by sanctioned businessman Alfredo Orozco Romero. A security firm was also included among the sanctioned targets. Officials described the overall package as aimed at financial and logistical support networks tied to fentanyl trafficking.

Fentanyl trafficking risks highlighted in US sanctions

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent addressed the move in a statement. Bessent said Treasury, will continue to target terrorist cartels and their fentanyl trafficking networks to protect our communities and Keep America Safe. Officials again described fentanyl as highly lethal. They said as little as 2 milligrams can be fatal.

US health data showed overdose deaths rose sharply over time. Deaths increased about 520% from 1999 to 2023, officials said. The latest CDC data also showed a decline. Drug overdose deaths fell by nearly 3% from 2022 to 2023. Authorities linked the sanctions to efforts to curb these harms.

Sinaloa cartel fentanyl trafficking supply routes and chemicals

The Drug Enforcement Administration said Mexico and China were the main sources of fentanyl and related substances. Officials said these substances were trafficked directly into the US. The agency also said most precursor chemicals used for fentanyl came from China. Authorities said some precursor makers used fake return addresses and mislabelled shipments.

The sanctions followed wider US pressure on cartels. President Donald Trump had repeatedly offered to send the US military after cartels. The Trump administration designated the Sinaloa cartel as a terrorist group in 2025. US officials presented Wednesday’s action as part of that broader approach to the cartel threat.

US officials said Mexico’s financial intelligence unit helped develop the targets. The unit worked with Treasury and the US Drug Enforcement Administration. Authorities said this co-ordination helped identify people and entities tied to cartel finances. The sanctions now restrict listed targets from US-linked finance and business channels.

With inputs from PTI