The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control sanctioned a Costa Rican narcotics trafficker as the country sees a higher level of drug sales, consumption, and violence.
In a press release by the Treasury, it was revealed that Gilbert Hernan de Los Angeles Bell Fernandez, a Costa Rican narcotics trafficker, had been sanctioned as part of President Biden's National Drug Control Strategy. Bell has been instrumental in transforming Costa Rica into a major narcotics transit hub at a time when the nation is grappling with a mounting domestic drug consumption issue.
The national homicide rate increased from 11.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2021 to 12.6 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2022. Despite these difficulties, the U.S is collaborating with Costa Rica to enhance police professionalism, boost citizen security, and increase drug interdictions.
Costa Rican authorities have labelled Bell, aka "Macho Coca", as contributing to the international proliferation of illicit drugs and he was arrested in 2015 on drug-related charges. Property seizures in multiple raids included boats used for drug transshipment. This move comes after close cooperation with the U.S Drug Enforcement Administration's Costa Rica Country Office.
"Today’s action demonstrates our shared commitment to address the surge in violent crime in Costa Rica, driven by narcotics trafficking," said Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "The United States will continue to partner with the government of Costa Rica, as well as with our key partners in the region, to leverage our collective tools and authorities against these groups’ illicit facilitation networks."
The US Office of the Attorney General (OFAC) has implemented sanctions aimed at countering the global menace of illicit drug trafficking according to its press release. All properties and interests belonging to designated individuals and entities within US jurisdiction must be blocked and reported to OFAC. Any entities owned by one or more blocked persons by over 50% are also blocked.
OFAC's regulations typically prohibit transactions involving property or interests in property of designated or otherwise blocked persons. U.S individuals may be liable to civil or criminal penalties for violating E.O. 14059. The sanctions intend to bring about a positive behavioral change and are available for persons designated under counter narcotics authorities who demonstrate a cessation of involvement in international illicit drug trafficking or other sanctionable activities.
