The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has imposed sanctions on Ecuador's Los Lobos Drug Trafficking Organization and its leader, Wilmer Geovanny Chavarria Barre, also known as "Pipo." Los Lobos is recognized as Ecuador's largest drug trafficking organization, significantly contributing to the violence in the country. This action follows a previous designation by the Treasury in February against another major Ecuadorian drug gang, Los Choneros.
"Drug trafficking groups with ties to powerful drug cartels threaten the lives and livelihoods of communities in Ecuador and throughout South and Central America," stated Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. "As today’s actions demonstrate, we steadfastly support Ecuador in its efforts to combat drug trafficking and counter the threat of drug-related violence."
Ecuador has been facing ongoing gang violence, prompting President Daniel Noboa to declare a state of emergency in seven provinces on May 22, 2024. The situation escalated after Los Choneros leader José Adolfo Macías Villamar disappeared from prison in January, leading to riots and attacks across the country. In response, President Noboa labeled several gangs as terrorist groups.
Los Lobos originated as hitmen for Los Choneros but grew into a formidable organization following internal conflicts within their rival gang. They have been involved in various criminal activities including drug trafficking and murder-for-hire. The group is also linked to providing security services for Mexico's CJNG cartel.
Chavarria Barre rose to prominence while imprisoned between 2011 and 2018, managing hitmen under Los Choneros before forming Los Lobos. He remains at large with reports suggesting he may have left Ecuador under a false identity.
OFAC designated both Los Lobos and Chavarria Barre under Executive Order 14059 due to their involvement in illicit drug activities that pose significant risks internationally. As a result of these sanctions, all properties linked to them within U.S. jurisdiction are blocked.
This measure is part of broader efforts by OFAC and other government entities to address global threats from illicit drugs entering the United States.
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