OFAC motion targets drug trafficking community that rose to prominence transporting drug-laden vans throughout the U.S./Mexico border
WASHINGTON — At this time, the U.S. Division of the Treasury’s Workplace of International Belongings Management (OFAC) designated Juan Francisco Valenzuela Valenzuela and the Valenzuela Drug Trafficking Group (“Valenzuela DTO”), amongst others, pursuant to Government Order (E.O.) 14059.
Initially established as a transportation cell, the Valenzuela DTO developed into a classy community that turned invaluable to Sinaloa Cartel management. Named after the household who facilitated its rise to prominence, the Valenzuela DTO was run by siblings Jorge Alberto, Wuendi Yuridia, and Juan Francisco Valenzuela Valenzuela lately. Following the arrests of Jorge Alberto and Wuendi Yuridia by U.S. authorities in October 2020 and November 2021, respectively, Juan Francisco Valenzuela Valenzuela is the final remaining sibling concerned within the Valenzuela DTO’s operations in Mexico. Working below the umbrella of the Sinaloa Cartel, the Valenzuela DTO is concerned within the importation and transport of multi-ton portions of illicit medication, together with methamphetamine, heroin, and fentanyl, from Mexico to america.
“The Valenzuela drug trafficking group fuels the continuing drug epidemic we face in america which has resulted within the deaths of tens of 1000’s of Individuals yearly,” mentioned Underneath Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Monetary Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. “Ravenous this community of assets will assist deprive the Sinaloa Cartel of crucial help it must visitors its harmful illicit medication.”
Along with the Valenzuela DTO and Juan Francisco Valenzuela Valenzuela, two Mexican nationals and Valenzuela DTO members, Hector Alfonso Araujo Peralta and Raul Rivas Chaires, in addition to three Mexico-based transportation corporations, Arfel Transportadora Cool Logistic, S.A. de C.V., Servicios de Transporte Maruha, S.A. de C.V., and Transportes Refrigerados Pandas Trucking, S.A. de C.V., had been additionally designated as we speak for having engaged in, or tried to have interaction in, actions or transactions which have materially contributed to, or pose a big threat of materially contributing to, the worldwide proliferation of illicit medication or their technique of manufacturing.
At this time’s motion is the results of OFAC’s ongoing collaboration with Homeland Safety Investigations (HSI) San Diego Strike Pressure Group, U.S. Customs and Border Safety’s Nationwide Focusing on Middle, and the Authorities of Mexico.
On October 19, 2021, federal drug trafficking indictments had been returned within the U.S. District Courtroom for the Southern District of California in opposition to Juan Francisco Valenzuela Valenzuela, Hector Alfonso Araujo Peralta, and Raul Rivas Chaires. Up to now, these people are fugitives from these prices.
SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS
On account of as we speak’s motion, all property and pursuits in property of the designated people and entities which might be in america or within the possession or management of U.S. individuals have to be blocked and reported to OFAC. As well as, any entities which might be owned, immediately or not directly, 50 % or extra by a number of blocked individuals are additionally blocked. OFAC’s rules typically prohibit all dealings by U.S. individuals or inside america (together with transactions transiting america) that contain any property or pursuits in property of designated or in any other case blocked individuals.
As well as, individuals that have interaction in sure transactions with the people and entities designated as we speak could themselves be uncovered to sanctions or topic to an enforcement motion. Moreover, until an exception applies, any overseas monetary establishment that knowingly facilitates a big transaction or offers vital monetary providers for any of the people or entities designated as we speak could possibly be topic to U.S. sanctions.
At this time’s motion is a part of a whole-of-government effort to counter the worldwide menace posed by the trafficking of illicit medication into america that causes the deaths of tens of 1000’s of Individuals yearly, in addition to numerous extra non-fatal overdoses. OFAC, in coordination with its U.S. authorities companions and overseas counterparts, will proceed to focus on and pursue accountability for overseas illicit drug actors.
The ability and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not solely from OFAC’s skill to designate and add individuals to the Specifically Designated Nationals and Blocked Individuals Listing (SDN Listing), but in addition from its willingness to take away individuals from the SDN Listing in keeping with the legislation. The last word purpose of sanctions is to not punish, however to carry a few optimistic change in conduct. For info regarding the course of for searching for removing from an OFAC listing, together with the SDN Listing, please consult with OFAC’s Frequently Asked Question 897. For detailed information on the process to submit a request for removal from an OFAC sanctions list, please visit here.
View more information on the individuals and entities designated today.
View the chart on the individuals and entities designated today.
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