Sanctioning persons and entities established in the PRC and Mexico for facilitating illicit drug production

The United States is at the forefront of the global effort to end the illicit production and trade of illicit fentanyl and other synthetic drugs, a leading cause of death among adults ages 18 to 45 in the United States. Today, the Ministry of Finance sanctioned 17 individuals and entities involved in the production of illicit drugs, 13 of which are based in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) and four in Mexico. This action was closely coordinated within the US government with the government of Mexico and targets entities and individuals involved in criminal activity, not specific countries. These designated individuals and entities were involved in making counterfeit pills with counterfeit markings of legitimate drugs, often laced with fentanyl, and likely destined for US markets.

Today’s actions reinforce those previously taken by the Biden-Harris administration as part of a government-wide offensive to save lives by disrupting illicit fentanyl supply chains around the world. To date, the government has supported more than 20 million Americans in their recovery, strengthened partnerships with law enforcement around the world to disrupt and dismantle transnational criminal organizations, and made more than 30 reward offers totaling more than $75 million for information to lead illegal fentanyl traffickers to justice through the narcotics and transnational organized crime rewards programs. To address synthetic drug threats, the State Department is mobilizing a global coalition that will strengthen international engagement and drive innovative action. I look forward to working with all willing countries around the world to address this shared threat.

This government remains committed to disrupting the supply chain of illicit synthetic drugs from production to smuggling to distribution. I look forward to working with all willing countries around the world to address this shared threat.