The Trump administration’s decisive action targets six cocaine traffickers using sophisticated “narco-subs” in a bid to dismantle global drug trafficking networks.
At a Glance
- The U.S. Treasury sanctioned six individuals: four Guyanese and two Colombian nationals.
- “Narco-subs” were utilized to transport cocaine from South America to the U.S.
- Sanctions block all property and interests of those designated within the U.S.
- The initiative is part of a broader strategy to secure national interests.
A Crackdown on Narco-Subs
The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has acted against six drug traffickers operating out of South America. These individuals relied on both maritime vessels and aircraft, including sophisticated “narco-subs,” to push cocaine shipments to North America, Europe, and the Caribbean. The U.S. government remains unwavering in its mission to disrupt drug trafficking rings that threaten national security.
President Donald Trump has termed these traffickers as entities waging war on American society. A notorious former law enforcement official in Guyana, Himnauth Sawh, is among those targeted, accused of providing passage for Colombian and Venezuelan operatives. Authorities stress that drug ties run deep, involving political corruption and past criminal careers.
Sanctions and Seizures
The sanctions against these traffickers reinforce the Trump administration’s commitment to enforce stricter control over drug corridors. Economic hits from these sanctions mean all assets linked to them within the U.S. are blocked, along with any entities they predominantly control. Recent law enforcement operations have led to significant cocaine seizures, exemplifying effective U.S.-Guyanese cooperation.
“The cartels are waging war on America, and it’s time for America to wage war on the cartels.” – US President Donald Trump.
Authorities have intercepted large quantities of the drug, including a shipment stamped with the Sinaloa Cartel’s emblem found on a cargo ship. Despite these developments, the battle against cartels continues as they adapt strategies and bypassing efforts through complex cross-border operations.
The Broader Strategic Picture
The Trump administration’s aggressive stance, characterized by sanctions and military posturing, is aimed at crippling the power of drug cartels. Recent strategies have involved deploying forces to the southern borders, utilizing CIA drone surveillance, and contemplating potential military actions reminiscent of past campaigns against terrorist organizations.
“Chaos happens when the perception of American strength is not complete. And so, we aim to reestablish that deterrence, and it starts with our own southern border. It starts with the defense of our homeland.” – Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth.
The administration’s efforts to dismantle these webs point to a shift in focus toward securing interests closer to home. This drive to curb cartel influence is not a mere security measure but an adaptation to a global landscape where traditional military dominance is being reevaluated.
