The U.S. government, under former President Trump, has intensified its crackdown on the narcotics trade, particularly targeting the Guzmán family, specifically Los Chapitos, the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán Loera. On Monday, the Treasury Department announced sanctions against the group for their role in manufacturing and introducing fentanyl into the United States. As part of the effort, a reward of $10 million has been offered for information leading to the capture of Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar and the same amount for Jesús Alfredo Guzmán Salazar, both fugitives and heirs of the imprisoned drug lord.
The U.S. authorities have identified the two brothers as leaders controlling a faction of the Sinaloa cartel. The Treasury’s statement emphasized that Iván’s leadership has triggered a troubling surge of violence across Mexico and the U.S., affecting civilians, law enforcement, and rival cartel members. Alfredo is described as Iván’s “lieutenant,” responsible for torture to extract information regarding rival infiltrations. The report highlights the group’s operations concerning fentanyl trafficking at the border and their ability to secure chemical precursors while overseeing production in clandestine laboratories in Sinaloa.
The sanctions specifically target the network of businesses operated by Los Chapitos in Mazatlán, led by Víctor Manuel Barraza Pablos, identified as the operation’s leader. Additionally, Jose Raul Núñez Rios has been accused of financially supporting the group through activities such as drug trafficking, murder, kidnapping, extortion, and fentanyl production. The Treasury reported that Núñez has quickly amassed wealth through connections with narcotraffickers, leading to significant investments in real estate and businesses in Mazatlán since 2021.
The investigation has also revealed ties to Núñez’s wife, Sheila Paola Urias Vázquez, who is implicated in her husband’s criminal network as a nominal owner of several businesses, including a spa and a beauty salon. The sanctions will affect her enterprises, alongside various beach clubs, clothing stores, and other commercial ventures. All properties owned by Núñez and Urias in the U.S. will be frozen.
Scott Bessent, Secretary of the Treasury, emphasized their commitment to combating the fentanyl crisis. “At the Treasury Department, we are executing President Trump’s mandate to completely dismantle drug cartels and confront violent leaders like El Chapo’s sons,” he stated.
This latest crackdown underscores ongoing efforts to address the fentanyl crisis, which has devastated communities across the U.S. by tackling the financial frameworks that sustain drug trafficking organizations. There is a hopeful sentiment that by dismantling these operations, authorities can help mitigate the impact of illegal narcotics and support the safety of communities.