Background on Key Figures
The United States has imposed sanctions on “Los Chapitos,” a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, labeling them as Global Terrorists Especially Designated. This move comes amidst the Donald Trump administration’s efforts to combat transnational drug trafficking.
Who are “Los Chapitos”?
“Los Chapitos,” or “The Little Chapos,” are a powerful and hyperviolent faction of the Sinaloa Cartel leading the fentanyl trafficking in the United States. They are the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, a convicted drug trafficker.
Key Leaders Targeted
Two fugitive leaders, Archivaldo Iván Guzmán Salazar and Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, were also sanctioned by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
US Actions and Implications
The U.S. Department of the Treasury, under Secretary Scott Bessent, stated that “Los Chapitos” were designated as Global Terrorists for facilitating the trafficking and production of the lethal opoid fentanyl.
In addition to sanctions, the U.S. offered a reward of up to $10 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of these leaders.
These actions are part of President Trump’s mandate to completely eliminate drug cartels and confront violent leaders like the sons of “El Chapo.” The Treasury aims to maximize available tools to address the fentanyl crisis and save lives.
Scope of Sanctions
The sanctions freeze any assets held by “Los Chapitos” in the U.S. and generally prohibit U.S. citizens from doing business with them.
Those engaging in specific transactions with sanctioned parties also risk facing penalties.
Context and Recent Developments
These sanctions follow the Trump administration’s designation of “Tren de Aragua,” the Sinaloa Cartel, and other drug cartels as global terrorist organizations in February.
Upon taking office on January 20, President Trump issued an executive order requesting officials evaluate whether any criminal cartel or transnational gang should be designated as a terrorist group.
These U.S. terrorist designations come alongside a government crackdown on migration, with thousands of foreigners being deported to third countries in Latin America.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who are “Los Chapitos”? They are a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, led by the sons of convicted drug trafficker Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, known for their involvement in fentanyl trafficking.
- What are the sanctions against “Los Chapitos”? The U.S. has frozen their assets in the country, prohibited business dealings with them for U.S. citizens, and offered a $10 million reward for information leading to their arrest or conviction.
- Why were these sanctions imposed? The U.S. aims to combat transnational drug trafficking, specifically targeting the fentanyl crisis, under President Trump’s mandate to eliminate drug cartels.
- What is the significance of designating “Los Chapitos” as Global Terrorists? This designation allows the U.S. to utilize additional tools and resources to dismantle their operations and support ongoing efforts to address the fentanyl crisis.
