The US Includes “Chocho”, Operator Of The CJNG In Puerto Vallarta, On Its “Black” List

 "Ivan" for Borderland Beat 

Sergio Armando Orozco Rodríguez, alias “Chocho”, was included, this Thursday, February 17, in the “black list” of the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), of the United States Department of the Treasury. Joined.

With the last update in the "list of the file of specially designated persons" -in accordance with the Designation Act of Foreign Kingpins (Kingpin Act)- of the OFAC, the properties, interests and transactions of both subjects, which are in the United States or in the possession or control of US persons or in transit, will no longer be designated or blocked by the US Government.

“OROZCO RODRÍGUEZ, Sergio Armando (alias “CHOCHO”), Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico; date of birth February 16, 1967; P.O.B. Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico; nationality Mexico; Male gender; CURP OORS670216HJCRDR04 (Mexico) (individual) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO]”, says the file published by OFAC.

According to the US Treasury Department, in collaboration with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), Customs and Border Protection (CBP), and the Government of Mexico, Orozco Rodríguez was designated "in accordance with Executive Order (EO) 14059, for acting "for or on behalf" of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), "by facilitating various illicit activities in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco .“CJNG, a violent organization based in Mexico, trafficks a significant proportion of the fentanyl and other deadly drugs that enter the United States […] Individuals like Sergio Armando Orozco Rodríguez help the CJNG infiltrate the economy of Puerto Vallarta and intimidate legitimate business,” Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson said in a statement.

“The Cartel uses this renowned tourist destination as a strategic stronghold not only for drug trafficking, but also for money laundering, extortion, kidnapping and murder. Treasury will continue to work with US partners and the Mexican government to expose and disrupt the CJNG, from its leadership to its enablers," Nelson added.

“Sergio Armando Orozco Rodríguez, of Mexican nationality, was designated because he is directed by, or has acted or pretended to act for or on behalf, directly or indirectly, of the CJNG. He resides in Puerto Vallarta, where he is engaged in various illegal activities on behalf of the CJNG, ”said the US government.

“Orozco Rodríguez launders drug proceeds on behalf of the CJNG and has ties to some of its most important members. In addition, Orozco Rodríguez facilitates the extortion schemes of the CJNG in the Puerto Vallarta area”, detailed the US Department of the Treasury.

“For example, many new businesses there must receive an unofficial permit to open from Orozco Rodríguez. Once open, Orozco Rodríguez collects taxes from these businesses on behalf of the CJNG. Orozco Rodríguez has had ties to multiple nightclubs, bars, and restaurants in Puerto Vallarta,” the US authorities added.

OFAC recalled that it has taken previous actions against CJNG operatives based in Puerto Vallarta, which said Cartel "uses as a base of operations to plan criminal activities carried out throughout Mexico."

On April 6, 2021, OFAC designated Carlos Andrés Rivera Varela, alias “La Firma”, and Francisco Javier Gudiño Haro, “La Gallina”, who lead a CJNG enforcement group based in Puerto Vallarta, “which has helped orchestrate assassinations of rivals and politicians using high-powered weapons.”

“These two violent individuals are also linked” to Gonzalo Mendoza Gaytán, alias “El Sapo”, a “senior member of the CJNG who has served as plaza boss in Puerto Vallarta.” In addition, OFAC recalled that on April 8, 2015, it designated the CJNG, along with its leader, Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, alias "El Mencho", in accordance with the Kingpin Act, "for playing an important role in international drug trafficking." .

On December 15, 2021, OFAC also designated the CJNG and Oseguera Cervantes pursuant to EO 14059. The US Department of State Narcotics Rewards Program issued a reward of up to $10 million for information that lead to the arrest and/or conviction of “El Mencho”.

OFAC also recalled that it has designated a wide range of companies and individuals linked to the CJNG and its close ally, the Los Cuinis drug trafficking organization, whose businesses "previously designated in Mexico include shopping malls, real estate companies, farms, a music promotion business and a luxury boutique hotel.

"Many of these entities have been involved in laundering drug proceeds and represent attempts by the CJNG and Los Cuinis to integrate their illicit profits into the legitimate economy," the US Treasury Department added.

"Among the people sanctioned are those who play critical roles in the CJNG's drug trafficking activities, including money laundering, and those who facilitate corrupt activities on behalf of the CJNG and Los Cuinis," the US government concluded.

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