US Sanctions Target Drug Traffickers
The Trump administration has enacted sanctions against six individuals involved in cocaine trafficking, utilizing “drug supply” methods to distribute illegal substances, according to the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
On Thursday, OFAC announced sanctions affecting four Guyanese citizens and two Colombian nationals.
A press statement from the Treasury Department disclosed that these traffickers utilize “boats and narco supplies” for the exchange of substantial amounts of cocaine with the United States.
Among those sanctioned is Himnauth Sawh, identified as a Guyanese law enforcement officer implicated in corruption.
The sanctions also extend to two Colombian individuals, Manuel Salazar Gitelles and Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo.
“For decades, reported corrupt individuals have employed Guyana as a key point for drug transport from South America to the US. Mexican cartels have a significant presence in this region as well. The international trade in cocaine is a persistent threat to the US, as the vast profits from these transactions reinforce cartel operations.”
The report explains how these drug trades occur from Guyana to the US and the roles of each person involved in this criminal network.
“Guyanese nationals Paul Davy Jr. and Randolph Duncan are said to lead the largest drug trafficking organization in Guyana, primarily using ships and aircraft to conceal cocaine. They reportedly bribe local officials to facilitate their drug operations, including the use of illegal runways,” the report stated.
“Former Guyana Police Department officer Mark Cromwell is noted as a violent trafficker and a close associate of Dabby Jr.
The release continues, highlighting several cases where US and Guyanese law enforcement have confiscated significant amounts of cocaine, including a March operation that resulted in the seizure of approximately 182 kilograms in Trinidad and Tobago.
“The cocaine package was marked with the Toyota logo, a trademark associated with the Sinaloa cartel, found on the cargo ship.”
In another March operation, authorities recovered 2,370 kilograms of cocaine from a semi-submersible vessel about 150 miles off the coast of Guyana.
“Under President Trump, this administration has achieved some of the safest borders in modern history. The Treasury remains committed to using our unique tools against cartels and their networks. Today’s actions send a clear message that we will continue to combat these organizations, wherever they are operating.”
“The Treasury will persist in exposing the criminal networks facilitating drug trafficking into the US and will collaborate closely with both law enforcement and the Guyanese government to dismantle these cartels,” the statement added.
The Treasury’s release concluded with a reminder of the implications for those sanctioned.
“Consequently, all property and interests held by the designated individuals are now blocked and must be reported to OFAC if controlled by any US person. Furthermore, there is a presence of 50% or more, either directly or indirectly, among those sanctioned.”
