A recent FinCEN report details how the Sinaloa and CJNG cartels launder billions of dollars through U.S. casinos and other financial institutions, primarily using proceeds from fentanyl trafficking. Nearly 1,300 suspicious activity reports were filed in 2024, with a significant portion involving depository institutions and money services businesses. The cartels utilize various methods, including wire transfers, cash smuggling, and complex international trade schemes involving Chinese businesses to obscure the origins of their illicit funds. These schemes often leverage front companies, money mules, and U.S.-based intermediaries to facilitate the laundering process.
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The U.S. imposed unjustified 25% tariffs on Canadian exports and 10% on energy, despite Canada’s significant efforts to combat fentanyl trafficking, resulting in a 97% drop in seizures. In response, Canada will implement retaliatory 25% tariffs on $155 billion of American goods, starting with $30 billion immediately. These tariffs will remain until the U.S. withdraws its actions, and further non-tariff measures are being considered. The U.S. tariffs are expected to negatively impact American consumers and jobs.
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Donald Trump’s private threat to deploy the U.S. military into Mexico to halt fentanyl trafficking within months escalates his earlier public tariff threats against Mexico, Canada, and China to curb both migration and drug flows. This aggressive stance, mirroring his past proposals for military intervention in Mexico’s drug war, is enabled by his current control over the Republican Party and key government branches. The lack of internal checks and balances increases the likelihood of such actions. Mexico’s President has already expressed disapproval, setting the stage for potential international conflict.
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John Q. Hosedrinker