The U.S. Treasury Wednesday added individuals and entities from two separate networks tied to the Sinaloa Cartel and its crypto-facilitated fentanyl trafficking operations. The sanctions stem from a coordinated effort led by the Homeland Security Task Force with help from the Drug Enforcement Agency.
"As President Trump has made clear, this administration will not allow narco-terrorists to flood our borders with poison," said Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. "Treasury will continue to target terrorist cartels and their fentanyl trafficking networks."
Network head Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles allegedly facilitated the conversion of cash into cryptocurrency for transfer to the Sinaloa Cartel. His associate, Jesus Alonso Aispuro Felix, was also sanctioned for similarly transferring drug trade proceeds via blockchain.
The sanctions list includes six Ethereum network addresses linked to the individuals. The Treasury also noted the Sinaloa Cartel is a designated Foreign Terrorist Organization responsible for a significant portion of illicit fentanyl trafficked into the U.S.