US sanctions more entities in China, Mexico for alleged fentanyl production

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The Biden administration sanctioned 13 entities in China and four in Mexico on Tuesday for alleged ties to the production of fentanyl, a synthetic opioid increasingly tied to overdose deaths in the US.

The designated individuals are "directly or indirectly involved" in the sale of pill press machines and other equipment used to produce fake pills "frequently destined for U.S. markets," the Treasury Department said in a statement.

They include Chinese pill press suppliers Youli Technology Development and three affiliated Chinese nationals, Shenzhen, China-located Yason General Machinery Co., and Nanchang, China-located Shenzhen Yason General Machinery Co., Ltd. Nanchang Branch.

Mexpacking Solutions, a Chihuauah, Mexico-based company controlled by the Sinaloa Cartel that sells pill presses was also sanctioned, according to the agency. Three affiliated individuals -- Mario Ernesto Martinez Trevizo, Cinthia Adriana Rodriguez Almeida and Ernesto Alonso Macias Trevizo -- are also being designated.

The Treasury and State departments said the Mexico-related sanctions were conducted in coordination with that government, in particular Mexico’s Financial Intelligence Unit.

"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," Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a statement.

"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.