The US Treasury has identified several key individuals and businesses linked to the Maios faction of the Sinaloa Cartel, including a former mayor from Baja California, Mexico. This action is part of efforts to tackle money laundering activities associated with hotels, restaurants, and bars located in popular tourist spots in Rosalito, Baja California.
Recently, officials from the US Treasury imposed sanctions on the Sinaloa Cartel and certain leaders connected to the Maios faction. These sanctions freeze any accounts and assets they may hold in the United States and bar US citizens and companies from engaging in business with them. In June, similar sanctions were enacted against the Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
The Sinaloa Cartel experienced significant internal conflict last year after one of the incarcerated kingpin Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman’s sons orchestrated the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a prominent leader, thus intensifying divisions within the organization.
The Trump administration had designated the Sinaloa Cartel as a foreign terrorist organization, attributing to it a major role in the production and smuggling of fentanyl. Multiple cartel members face charges in the US, not only for drug trafficking and money laundering but also specifically concerning fentanyl-related cases.
In this latest round of actions, the US Treasury listed Juan Jose “El Rouso” Ponce Felix as the leader and founder of the armed wing of the Maios. Earlier this week, the US State Department offered a $5 million reward for his capture.
US officials also recognized Garcia Alfonsoalzate and Garcia Renealzate Garcia as leaders of Los Mysos in Rosalito, a well-known beach resort area on Mexico’s west coast. Besides managing several businesses in the region, the Arzate Brothers and their associates are reportedly involved in drug smuggling operations to California.
The US Treasury’s list highlights Mario Alberto Herrera Sanchez and his brother Carlo Omar Herrera Sanchez as key figures in Los Mayos.
Authorities have also pointed to various companies linked to a local developer and business mogul, Jesus Gonzalez Romeri.
Additionally, finance officials accused former Rosalito Mayor Hilda and political operative Candelario Arsega Aguirre of collaborating with the Sinaloa Cartel. Allegedly, during her tenure, Hilda used her position to favor the Mayo faction.
