Treasury sanctions Mexican cartel members for arms trafficking, fuel theft, money laundering

June 6 (UPI) -- The Treasury Department on Tuesday sanctioned two members of the Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion for arms trafficking in the United States and fuel theft in Mexico.

Alonso Guerrero Covarrubias and Javier Guerrero Covarrubias have helped the CJNG traffic weapons, drugs and fuel, the Treasury Department said.

"CJNG relies upon a web of criminal activity that ultimately strengthens its ability to traffic fentanyl and other deadly drugs to the United States. Today's action disrupts key support networks engaged in arms trafficking, fuel theft, and drug-related money laundering," Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian Nelson, said in a statement.

Treasury also sanctioned Mary Cruz Rodriguez Aguirre for helping to launder the CJNG's illicit funds between the United States and Mexico.

From 2020 to 2022, Aguirre facilitated the collection and laundering of over $6,000,000, the Treasury Department said.

Aguirre operated a money laundering system to move drug money through the currency exchange house Nacer Agencia Panamericana de Divisas y Centro Cambiario, which was also designated under Tuesday's sanctions

"Treasury, in close coordination with the Government of Mexico and U.S. law enforcement, will continue to target those who support and supply drug trafficking and criminal organizations, especially those engaged in the production and distribution of synthetic opioids that claim the lives of tens of thousands of Americans each year," said Nelson.