WASHINGTON (Diya TV) — The U.S. Department of the Treasury has sanctioned a major international network accused of supplying precursor chemicals used to make deadly synthetic opioids. Officials say the action targets 23 individuals and entities tied to the powerful Sinaloa Cartel, which the United States has designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization. The move aims to disrupt the global supply chain that fuels the production of fentanyl and methamphetamine. These drugs continue to drive overdose deaths across the United States.

The Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control, also known as OFAC, led the action. It worked closely with U.S. and international law enforcement agencies. Officials said the network sources chemicals mainly from Asia and ships them to Mexico and Central America. From there, criminal groups process the chemicals into fentanyl in secret labs. The drugs then move into U.S. cities.

“President Trump has been clear that terrorist cartels will not be allowed to wreak havoc,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said. He added that the government will continue to target every step of the opioid supply chain.

Authorities say synthetic opioids like fentanyl are especially dangerous. Even small amounts can be deadly. Officials estimate that one kilogram of a key chemical can produce enough fentanyl for hundreds of thousands of lethal doses.

Among those sanctioned are India-based chemical suppliers accused of playing a key role. Satishkumar Hareshbhai Sutaria and Yuktakumari Ashishkumar Modi allegedly sold fentanyl precursors to buyers linked to cartels.

Investigators say they used companies such as SR Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals and Agrat Chemicals and Pharmaceuticals to ship substances like N-Boc-4-Piperidone. They often mislabeled shipments as safe chemicals to avoid detection. Indian authorities arrested both individuals in March 2025. Officials in Washington praised cooperation with Indian law enforcement. They said this partnership helped disrupt a critical part of the supply chain.

The sanctions also target brokers in Guatemala and Mexico. Jaime Augusto Barrientos Camaz allegedly received large shipments of precursor chemicals through his company, J and C Import. Another firm, Central Logistica de Servicios, reportedly helped move both precursor chemicals and finished fentanyl.

In Mexico, authorities identified several individuals linked directly to cartel operations. Karina Guadalupe Carrillo Torres and Regulo Acosta Hernandez allegedly managed chemical supplies and drug distribution networks. Officials say they also used shell companies to hide their activities. Law enforcement arrested both in March 2026. Another figure, Maria Viridiana Rugerio Arriaga, reportedly bought chemicals from India and sold them to drug producers. Authorities linked her company to fentanyl and methamphetamine production.

The sanctions block all U.S.-based assets linked to those named. They also prohibit American individuals and companies from doing business with them. Officials warned that foreign financial institutions could face penalties if they assist the sanctioned network. The action follows executive orders that target drug trafficking and terrorism financing. One of those orders classifies fentanyl and its key components as weapons of mass destruction due to their extreme lethality. U.S. officials say the strategy focuses on dismantling the entire system. That includes suppliers, brokers, transport networks, and lab operators.