In close coordination with the Government of Mexico and pursuant to President Biden’s National Drug Control Strategy, today, the United States Government designated fifteen Mexican nationals and two Mexico-based entities linked to the Beltran Leyva Organization (BLO). This powerful drug trafficking organization transports and distributes illicit drugs, including fentanyl and cocaine, into the United States.
Synthetic drug trafficking presents a worldwide challenge to health and security, and it exacerbates the opioid epidemic in the United States. We continue to dismantle the transnational criminal organizations destabilizing North America, including by using our sanctions authorities to sever criminal entities’ ties to the international financial system.
The steps taken today are an integral component of President Biden’s strengthened, integrated approach to disrupting the trafficking of illicit fentanyl and its precursors into the United States. Today’s actions also highlight the effectiveness of nations working together to disrupt illicit drug supply chains and underscore the need for continued international cooperation, such as through the Global Coalition to Address Synthetic Drug Threats, to dismantle illicit drug trafficking and save lives.
Today’s designations by the Department of the Treasury were taken pursuant to Executive Order 14059, which targets international proliferation of illicit drugs or their means of production. Among those designated today was Oscar Manuel Gastelum Iribe and Pedro Inzunza Noriega, who are part of BLO’s leadership. The State Department’s Narcotics Rewards Program complements the Department of the Treasury’s efforts to bring those involved in fentanyl trafficking to justice. For more information on today’s actions and a detailed list of the individuals and entities designated, see the Treasury press release.
