United States Treasury Sanctions Sinaloa Cartel Leaders, 12 Others
The US Treasury Comes Down on Latin America-Based Cartels
Overt Operator
November 08, 2023
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) of the US Department of the Treasury has announced sanctions against the head of the Sinaloa Cartel in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico, Juan Carlos Morgan Huerta, also known as "Cacayo," and 12 other members of the notorious drug trafficking group. These individuals are accused of trafficking various drugs, including fentanyl, across the border.
Morgan Huerta, who manages the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel in Nogales on behalf of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada, has been formally charged in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia with multiple counts of drug trafficking. The US government alleges that Morgan Huerta utilizes tractor-trailers and other concealment methods to transport drugs from Mexico to the United States.
The sanctioned individuals include family members who play crucial roles within the organization. José Arnoldo Morgan Huerta, also known as "Chachio," José Luis Morgan Huerta, also known as "El Gordo," Miguel Ángel Morgan Huerta, and Martín Morgan Huerta are responsible for managing transportation, logistics, negotiating trade deals, and laundering illicit drug proceeds. Morgan Huerta's uncle, Oscar Murillo Morga, also known as "Chino," is involved in maintaining sources of supply of illicit drugs.
According to the US government, each member of the organization fulfills a critical function. Miguel Ángel Morgan Huerta, a former agent, allegedly uses his connections to bribe authorities, while Martín Morgan Huerta and Oscar Murillo Morgan facilitate the procurement of illicit drugs.
Among the other sanctioned members are David Alonso Chavarin Preciado, who oversees drug trafficking operations in Nogales on behalf of Morgan Huerta, as well as Jesús Francisco Camacho Porchas, Oscar Enrique Moreno Orozco, and Ramiro Martín Romero Wirichaga, all of Mexican nationality. Additionally, Cristian Julián Meneses Ospina, a Colombian national, and Sergio Isaías Hernández Valle, a Mexican national, are also included in the sanctions.
The US Treasury's sanctions aim to disrupt the operations of the Sinaloa Cartel and its network of drug trafficking. By targeting key individuals involved in the organization's activities, the US government seeks to cripple their ability to transport and distribute illicit drugs, including fentanyl, which has been a major concern in the ongoing opioid crisis.
These sanctions represent the latest efforts by the US government to combat drug trafficking and dismantle criminal organizations involved in the illicit drug trade. By targeting the leadership and key members of the Sinaloa Cartel, authorities hope to send a strong message that drug trafficking will not be tolerated and that those involved will face severe consequences.
The US Treasury's action also serves as a warning to other criminal organizations involved in drug trafficking. It demonstrates the international collaboration and determination of law enforcement agencies to dismantle these networks and hold those responsible accountable for their actions.
As the fight against drug trafficking continues, the US government remains committed to disrupting the operations of criminal organizations and safeguarding the well-being of its citizens. Through targeted sanctions and coordinated efforts with international partners, authorities aim to stem the flow of illicit drugs and prevent further harm caused by drug addiction and related criminal activities.