The U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned eight individuals and 12 Mexican companies allegedly linked to the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
They asserted that this network supplies illicit fentanyl precursor chemicals to the Sinaloa Cartel, a terrorist organization responsible for a significant portion of lethal drug trafficking to the United States.
The report from U.S. authorities indicates that one of the companies allegedly involved is Sumilab, SA de CV, based in Culiacán, Sinaloa. It was first sanctioned by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on May 9, 2023.
“Sumilab was designated for its alleged involvement in the supply and shipment of precursor chemicals to members and associates of the Sinaloa Cartel.” The company is run by the Favela López family:
Siblings: Victor Andrés Favela López, Francisco Favela López, Jorge Luis Favela López, and María Gabriela Favela López
Spouses: Maria’s husband, Jairo Verdugo Araujo, and Gilberto Gallardo García, who is married to another Favela López brother.
“Following the May 2023 OFAC sanctions against Sumilab, the Favela López family removed store signage and changed tactics, but remained heavily involved in supplying precursor chemicals for the Sinaloa Cartel’s fentanyl production.”
Víctor Andrés, Francisco, and Jorge Luis reportedly operate under the Los Chapitos faction. They are allegedly responsible for the supply and distribution of chemical precursors and laboratory equipment to chemical intermediaries and laboratory operators affiliated with the Sinaloa Cartel, who produce illicit fentanyl and methamphetamine.
They reported that the chemicals are sold to companies in the United States, where they are synthesized into illicit drugs for sale.
On Monday, October 6, the United States targeted Sumilab, Víctor Andrés, Francisco, and Jorge Luis for allegedly supporting the Sinaloa Cartel financially, providing technological equipment, goods, and services.
Meanwhile, María Gabriela, Jairo, and Gilberto were indicted for allegedly controlling the activities of the Sumilab company.
