global news•Wed, September 30, 2026•5 min read

US Treasury Strikes Sinaloa Cartel: New Sanctions Target 'Mayito Flaco' Network

The U.S. Treasury Department has launched a massive enforcement action against nearly 50 individuals and entities connected to the Sinaloa Cartel. The crackdown targets key leadership, including Ismael Zambada Sicairos, and exposes deep-seated corruption within local government structures.

A Coordinated Strike Against the Sinaloa Cartel

In a significant move to disrupt the Sinaloa Cartel’s operations, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) recently announced sanctions against 21 individuals and 25 entities. This sweeping action targets the 'Los Mayos' faction, aiming to dismantle the leadership, financial, and corruption networks that have allowed the organization to traffic illicit drugs across the border with impunity.

Targeting the Leadership: 'Mayito Flaco'

At the center of this action is Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as 'Mayito Flaco.' As a high-ranking leader within the cartel, Zambada Sicairos has been instrumental in overseeing the faction's logistics. By targeting him and his innermost circle, the Treasury aims to degrade the cartel’s ability to coordinate large-scale trafficking operations.

The U.S. Treasury's latest enforcement action includes individuals with high-level political connections.

Corruption and Institutional Complicity

Beyond the direct cartel members, the sanctions shed light on the pervasive influence the organization wields over local institutions. The Treasury’s report detailed how the cartel leverages bribes to secure control over municipal police forces. Specifically, the department cited instances of:

Involvement of the former Mexicali Director of Public Security, Pedro Ariel Mendivil Garcia, who allegedly accepted bribes to facilitate trafficking.
The use of local law enforcement to carry out cartel enforcement operations.
Sanctions against the ex-husband of a Baja California governor, highlighting the reach of cartel influence into political circles.

The Real-World Impact of Sanctions

For those designated, the impact of these sanctions is immediate and severe. All property and interests belonging to these individuals or entities within the United States are effectively frozen. U.S. citizens and businesses are strictly prohibited from engaging in transactions with them, creating a financial blockade meant to isolate these bad actors from the global economy.

The 21 individuals and 25 entities designated include cartel leader Ismael Zambada Sicairos... and the Tijuana-based cell leaders, money launderers, and corrupt politicians who permit the Sinaloa Cartel to operate with impunity.
— U.S. Department of the Treasury

Key Takeaways

The U.S. Treasury sanctioned 46 targets, including 21 individuals and 25 entities, tied to the Sinaloa Cartel.
Key cartel leader Ismael Zambada Sicairos ('Mayito Flaco') was among the primary targets.
The sanctions expose deep corruption, including ties between cartel leaders and municipal police officials.
Designated individuals and entities face total asset blocking within the U.S. and a ban on transactions with U.S. persons.
This action is part of an ongoing effort to combat the flow of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.

FAQ

What is the purpose of the Treasury's sanctions against the Sinaloa Cartel?

The sanctions aim to disrupt the cartel's leadership, dismantle financial networks, and combat the trafficking of illicit drugs like fentanyl by isolating members and entities from the U.S. financial system.

Who is 'Mayito Flaco'?

Ismael Zambada Sicairos, known as 'Mayito Flaco,' is a designated leader within the Sinaloa Cartel who has been targeted for his role in organizing trafficking networks.

Are political figures involved in these sanctions?

Yes. The sanctions include former local officials and politically connected individuals, such as the ex-husband of a Baja California governor, due to their alleged complicity in cartel activities.

What happens when a person or entity is sanctioned by the Treasury?

All their assets in the United States are frozen, and U.S. persons are prohibited from conducting business or transactions with them.