Press Releases 08
President Bush Designates Beltran Leyva and his Organization
Under Kingpin Act
Statement
by Ambassador Antonio O. Garza
Mexico City, May 30, 2008 – “President Bush has designated
four individuals and three entities, including Marcos Arturo
Beltran Leyva and the Beltran Leyva Organization, as subject
to the sanctions under the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation
Act ('Kingpin Act'). This action underscores the determination
of the United States to do everything possible to pursue drug
traffickers, undermine their operations, and end the suffering
that trade in illicit drugs inflicts on Americans and other
people around the world.
“Beltran Leyva and his organization comprise a major part
of Mexico's Sinaloa drug cartel, with operations on both coasts
of Mexico and along its southern and northern borders that
move significant quantities of cocaine into the United States.
His hit squads are responsible for scores of deaths and heinous
violence. Marcos Arturo Beltran Leyva and members of his family
have been indicted in both the United States and Mexico for
cocaine smuggling.
“The Kingpin Act, which became law in December 1999, targets
significant foreign narcotics traffickers, their organizations
and operatives worldwide, denying them access to the U.S.
financial system and all trade and transactions involving
U.S. companies and individuals. The Kingpin Act does not target
the countries in which these foreign individuals and entities
are operating or those countries’ governments. It does allow
the United States to freeze the assets within the U.S. of
anyone who is designated, take action against any U.S. person
for doing business with a designee, and deny visas to designated
individuals and their immediate family members who have knowingly
benefited from the designated individuals’ illicit activity.
“The decision to designate Marcos Arturo Beltran Leyva and
his organization will provide the United States with additional
tools to dismantle his operations, deprive him and his cohorts
of resources, and prosecute them in the United States.”
A complete list of all individuals and entities designated
since June 2000 can be found at www.treas.gov/offices/enforcement/ofac/.
Below please find the White House Press Release:
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
May 30, 2008
Presidential Designation of Foreign Narcotics Kingpins
Today the President designated four foreign individuals
and three foreign entities in the ninth annual set of determinations
of drug traffickers who will be subject to the sanctions
provided in the Foreign Narcotics Kingpin Designation Act
("Kingpin Act"). This action brings the total
number of individuals and entities designated under the
Kingpin Act to 75 since the first designations were made
in 2000.
This action underscores the President's determination to
do everything possible to pursue drug traffickers, undermine
their operations, and end the suffering that trade in illicit
drugs inflicts on Americans and other people around the
world, as well as prevent drug traffickers from supporting
terrorists. We appreciate the support and cooperation often
provided by host governments in making these designations,
and this year in particular, the Government of Italy with
respect to the 'Ndrangheta Organization.
The Kingpin Act, which became law in December 1999, targets
significant foreign narcotics traffickers, their organizations,
and operatives worldwide, denying them access to the U.S.
financial system and all trade and transactions involving
U.S. companies and individuals. The Kingpin Act does not
target the countries in which these foreign individuals
and entities are operating or the governments of such countries.
The additional foreign individuals and entities the President
has designated this year as appropriate for sanctions under
the Kingpin Act are:
Haji Asad Khan Zarkari Mohammadhasni (Afghanistan)
Hermagoras Gonzalez Polanco (Venezuela)
Cumhur Yakut (Turkey)
Marcos Arturo Beltran Leyva (Mexico)
Beltran Leyva Organization (Mexico)
PKK (KGK, Kongra-Gel, formerly Kurdistan Workers' Party)
(Turkey)
'Ndrangheta Organization (Italy)
The initial list of drug kingpins was released in June
2000; the above names will be added to that list.
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