OFAC Designates Individuals and Entities Associated with Guatemalan-Based Narcotics Trafficking Organization

The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has announced the designation of four individuals and four entities as part of its efforts to combat the international proliferation of illicit drugs.

Individuals Designated

• Morales Cifuentes: A key leader of the Los Pochos DTO, Morales Cifuentes is accused of engaging in activities that have contributed to the international proliferation of illicit drugs.
• Suñiga Morfin: A Guatemalan national and reported associate of Morales Cifuentes, Suñiga Morfin has allegedly used her political connections to further the interests of the Los Pochos DTO.
• Erick Manuel Ochoa Villagran (Ochoa Villagran): A lieutenant of Morales Cifuentes, Ochoa Villagran is accused of providing storage for cocaine consignments and was arrested in 2013 on murder charges.

Entities Designated

• Importadora Jireh: A car dealership owned by Morales Cifuentes.
• Construhogar: A hardware store also owned by Morales Cifuentes.
• WIV Sociedad Anonima: An industrial parking lot owned by Suñiga Morfin.
• Condado Real: A real estate company owned by Suñiga Morfin.

Sanctions Implications

As a result of the designation, all property and interests in property of the designated individuals and entities that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons must be blocked and reported to OFAC. U.S. persons may face civil or criminal penalties for violating the sanctions.

Background

The Los Pochos DTO is a Guatemalan-based narcotics trafficking organization that has been involved in the production, transportation, and distribution of illicit drugs, including cocaine. The designation of Morales Cifuentes, Suñiga Morfin, Ochoa Villagran, and the four entities is part of a whole-of-government effort to counter the global threat posed by the trafficking of illicit drugs into the United States.

Administration’s Approach

The Biden-Harris Administration has made historic investments in critical public health interventions, including research, prevention, treatment, and recovery support services. The Administration’s comprehensive strategy to tackle the nation’s overdose epidemic includes disrupting the trafficking of illicit fentanyl and its precursors into American communities.