US Treasury Sanctions Sinaloa Cartel Fentanyl Network, Including Mexican Restaurant

Washington, DC

The U.S. Treasury Department imposed sanctions Wednesday on more than a dozen individuals, a Mexican restaurant, and a security firm linked to Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel and its fentanyl trafficking operations. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control targeted Jesus Gonzalez Penuelas, also known as Chuy Gonzalez, a fugitive accused of trafficking narcotics into the United States and laundering money for the cartel.

The State Department has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to his arrest since 2024. Also sanctioned was Armando de Jesus Ojeda Aviles, who is accused of laundering proceeds from fentanyl and other drugs on behalf of the cartel. 

Among the targets is Gorditas Chiwas, a restaurant in Chihuahua controlled by businessman Alfredo Orozco Romero.

A security firm was also hit with sanctions. 

The sanctions block the designated individuals and entities from accessing the U.S. financial system, prohibit Americans from doing business with them, and freeze any U.S. assets they may hold. 

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the action demonstrates the U.S. commitment to targeting cartels and their fentanyl networks to protect American communities. 

The sanctions were developed in coordination with Mexico’s financial intelligence unit and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid, remains the leading cause of drug overdose deaths in the United States.