The US Treasury Department has accused the cartels of exploiting ‘otherwise legitimate commerce’ [File: Patrick Semansky/AP Photo]
The United States Treasury Department has revealed it is sanctioning two Mexican drug cartels, Carteles Unidos and Los Viagras, and seven affiliated individuals on allegations of “terrorism”.
The Treasury Department announced the sanctions on Thursday. Separately, the Justice Department stated it was charging five high-ranking members of Carteles Unidos with crimes related to drug trafficking.
“These actions further President Donald Trump’s directive to completely eliminate cartels and transnational criminal organizations threatening the American people,” the Treasury said in a social media post.
In a statement, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that the sanctions would help the US government hamstring the cartel’s ability to generate revenue, including through cross-border commerce.
