La Nueva Familia Michoacana, one of Mexico’s most powerful and violent drug cartels, has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) for its involvement in drug and human trafficking. Eight Mexico-based men affiliated with the cartel have been targeted for their roles in smuggling fentanyl, cocaine, and methamphetamine into the United States.
Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen emphasized the importance of targeting the financial flows of these cartels, stating that it is a top priority for her department. Over the past two years, the Treasury Department has sanctioned more than 250 individuals and entities involved in drug trafficking activities at various stages of the supply chain.
La Nueva Familia Michoacana utilizes various methods to smuggle drugs into the United States. They purchase chemicals and pill press machines to produce fentanyl in Mexico and transport the drugs across the border into Texas. From there, the drugs are distributed to cities such as Tulsa, Oklahoma; Charlotte, North Carolina; Atlanta; Houston; Dallas; and Chicago.
In addition to drug trafficking, the cartel is also involved in human smuggling. They stage photos depicting people in danger, leading them to falsely seek asylum in the United States. The group also coerces individuals to enter the country illegally with drugs under threats of harm to their families. The tobacco industry is often used as a means of smuggling narcotics into the United States.
The sanctions imposed by OFAC block all property and interests in property of the eight designated individuals within the United States or under the control of U.S. persons. Any entities that are 50 percent or more owned by these individuals are also subject to sanctions.
The collaboration between the Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Georgia, and Mexican government agencies has led to the identification and designation of the eight sanctioned men. These individuals hold various positions within La Nueva Familia Michoacana, including members, financial leaders, and lieutenants. They are responsible for controlling drug routes, laundering money, and coordinating arms trafficking.
The Treasury Department has provided detailed information about each of the sanctioned men. It is crucial to disrupt their operations and cut off their access to financial resources. By targeting key individuals within the cartel, law enforcement aims to dismantle its infrastructure and prevent further harm to communities affected by drug trafficking.
The announcement of these sanctions serves as a warning to other cartels and criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking. The Treasury Department’s efforts to combat drug-related activities demonstrate the United States’ commitment to disrupt the flow of illicit drugs and protect its citizens from the devastating consequences of drug abuse.
Overall, the sanctions imposed on La Nueva Familia Michoacana highlight the ongoing battle against drug cartels and their involvement in various illegal activities. By targeting their financial networks and key individuals, law enforcement agencies aim to weaken these organizations and mitigate the damage they inflict on communities. The collaboration between U.S. and Mexican authorities is essential in tackling the global issue of drug trafficking and ensuring the safety and well-being of both nations.
 has sanctioned La Nueva Familia Michoacana, one of Mexico's most powerful drug cartels, for their involvement in drug and human trafficking. Learn about the targeted individuals, their roles in smuggling drugs into the United States, and the methods used by the cartel. Explore the collaborative efforts between U.S. and Mexican authorities to dismantle the infrastructure of these criminal organizations and protect communities affected by drug trafficking.){kind=link}