U.S. sanctions Chinese, Mexican companies over fentanyl production

WASHINGTON – The U.S. government on Tuesday imposed sanctions on 13 companies in China and four in Mexico.

The Treasury and State departments alleged that these companies are linked to the production of fentanyl.

The synthetic opioid has been increasingly linked to overdose deaths in the United States.

A Treasury Department statement said the companies are directly involved in selling equipment to manufacture counterfeit pills.

The companies include Chinese pill press manufacturers Youli Technology Development, Yason General Machinery Co., and Shenzhen Yason General Machinery Co.

The Mexican companies include Mexpacking Solutions, which is controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel and sells pill presses.

Three related individuals — Mario Ernesto Martinez Trevizo, Cinthia Adriana Rodriguez Almeida, and Ernesto Alonso Macias Trevizo – were also named.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement that the government is mobilizing a global coalition to disrupt the supply chain of illegal synthetic drugs.

“To address synthetic drug threats, the Department of State is mobilizing a global coalition that will strengthen international engagement and drive innovative actions. I look forward to working with all willing countries around the world to address this shared threat,” said Blinken. 

“This Administration remains committed to disrupting the illicit synthetic drugs supply chain, from production to smuggling to distribution. I look forward to working with all willing countries around the world to address this shared threat,” he added.