The U.S. Department of the Treasury reported that in 2019 it removed nine American citizens, including six minors, in the state of Sonora, Mexico. La Línea and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) have been cooperating since September 2023, with CJNG being a supplier of cocaine, methamphetamines, and fentanyl to La Línea, according to U.S. authorities.
Among the individuals named by the Treasury are Josefa Yadira Carrasco Leyva, known as 'La Wera', considered a high-ranking figure in the organization and linked to drug, human, and arms trafficking, as well as Jorge Adrián Ortega Gallegos, alias 'El Naranjas'. In addition, the sanctions also target drug trafficker Heber Nieto Fierro, accused of using his businesses to launder money from drug trafficking and other illicit activities.
Treasury Undersecretary Wally Adeyemo stated that they will continue to use all available tools to combat La Línea's criminal activities, especially if they directly contribute to the spread of lethal fentanyl in communities. The sanctions, disclosed in collaboration with the Government of Mexico and its Financial Intelligence Unit, aim to attack drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl.
The United States has imposed new sanctions against five alleged members of the criminal organization La Línea, previously associated with the Juárez Cartel, along with two of its companies in an effort to combat drug trafficking, particularly fentanyl. Known as the armed wing of the Juárez Cartel, La Línea, made up of corrupt elements of security forces, has become one of the most violent groups in the region.
