US sanctions Jalisco cartel for fentanyl trafficking on Tuesday

On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions against individuals and entities linked to the Jalisco Nueva Generacion cartel, a major player in fentanyl trafficking into the United States. This action targets nine Mexican nationals and 26 entities involved in a fuel theft network that finances the cartel's operations. The sanctions were coordinated with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Mexico's government, highlighting a collaborative effort to combat drug trafficking. The Jalisco cartel, along with the Sinaloa cartel, has been identified as a significant contributor to the ongoing drug crisis in the U.S., flooding cities with meth and fentanyl. These cartels have effectively eliminated competition and control the flow of illicit drugs across the border. The DEA reports that their violent tactics are used to maintain dominance in the drug market, exacerbating the crisis. Fentanyl, a potent synthetic opioid, has been responsible for over 70,000 deaths annually in the U.S., often being mixed with other drugs or disguised as counterfeit pills. The drug is primarily produced in Mexico using precursors sourced from China, making international cooperation essential in addressing the issue. The Biden administration has initiated a global coalition to tackle the fentanyl threat, emphasizing collaboration with Mexico to regulate precursor chemicals and combat smuggling. In previous efforts, the Treasury Department sanctioned members of the Sinaloa cartel, indicating a broader strategy to disrupt drug trafficking networks. The recent sanctions against the Jalisco cartel are part of ongoing efforts to enhance community safety and reduce the availability of dangerous drugs like fentanyl in the United States.