Treasury sanctions Mexican cartel members for fentanyl trafficking

Nov. 19 (UPI) -- The Treasury Department announced on Tuesday it has sanctioned members of the notorious Cartel Jalisco Nueva Generacion in Mexico for its role in trafficking fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the United States.

The violent CJNG has helped lead the transformation of the illegal drug over the past 10 years where prescription opioids and heroin cheaper synthetic opioids like fentanyl, saturating the market with counterfeit pills.

The Treasury said the CJNG and Sinaloa cartels have been the main drivers in bringing fentanyl and other illegal drugs into the country, made in clandestine labs with precursor chemicals made mostly in China.

Among those targeted were the Bonques Brothers, from Xalisco, Mexico. They are led by Roberto Castellanos Meza, Ivan Atzayacatl Casteneda Meza, Giovanni Castaneda Meza and Juan Carolos Casteneda Meza.

The Treasury said that Jose Adrian Castillo Lopez is among the suppliers of heroin to the brothers and with networks in Nevada. It said Luis Alonso Navarro Quezada works directly with Lopez, who has trafficked fentanyl and other drugs and money.

Last year, a federal court in Nevada charged Quezada with 108 counts in connection with the trafficking.

The Treasury also designated Quezada's wife Erandiny Jazmin Ponce, Araceli Castillo Peinado, and her husband Jose Sinue Castro Alvarez for their involvement in the drug trade as well.

"Today's action underscores our commitment to target the networks of suppliers and facilitators that enable the illicit flow of deadly drugs into the United States, endangering the lives of our citizens," Bradley Smith, the Treasury's acting secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, said in a statement.

"The United States, in close coordination with our Mexican government partners, will continue to leverage all available tools to disrupt these criminal schemes and safeguard our communities."