OFAC Sanctions Announcement on Ecuadorian Individuals, Entities, and Vessels

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The United States Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has updated its Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List). This update includes new names of individuals, entities, and vessels that have been sanctioned. This decision was made after determining certain legal criteria were met.

All U.S. property of the listed persons is blocked. U.S. individuals cannot conduct transactions with them. This includes both people and vessels.

Individuals Sanctioned:

  • Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin, born in Manta, Manabi, Ecuador. He was involved in international illicit drug trade.
  • Milton Edixson Martinez Mendoza, from Manabi, Ecuador. He supported Los Choneros and Los Lobos.
  • Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales, from Manta, Manabi, Ecuador, also involved in the drug trade.
  • Roberth Alfonso Mero Arcentales, from Manabi, Ecuador. He is involved in drug trafficking activities.
  • Byron Aladino Mero Bermello, from Manabi, Ecuador. He has engaged in drug trade activities.
  • Julio Javier Mero Franco, also known as “Javico”, linked to Los Choneros.
  • Alfonso Mero Mero, from Montecristi, Ecuador, involved in drug activities.
  • Jhonny Francisco Verz Laz, known as “Baron Poncho”, linked to Julio Javier Mero Franco.

Entities Sanctioned:

  • ALHO FISH, S.A., based in Manabi, Ecuador, linked to Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin.
  • ARCASDENOE, S.A., also based in Manabi, connected to Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales.
  • GLOBALDISTRIAL, S.A.S., identified with Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin.
  • JAH-HMH, S.A.S., associated with Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin.
  • NEGOCIOS JIMAR, S.A.S., tied to Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin.
  • PROYECTOS NEYZOA, S.A.S., connected to Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin.
  • SOISAMAR, S.A.S., linked to Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin.

Vessels Sanctioned:

  • ARCA DE NOE III, belonging to Edwar Alexis and Roberth Alfonso Mero Arcentales.
  • ARCA DE NOE III JR, linked to Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales.
  • ARCA DE NOE IV, connected to Alfonso Mero Mero.
  • ARCA DE NOE V, property of Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales.
  • CONQUISTA, identified with Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales.
  • COSTA MARLIN, connected to Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin.
  • REY DE ARCA, belonging to Alfonso Mero Mero.
  • SIEMPRE MI ARCA, tied to Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales.
  • SOLO ES MEJOR, linked to Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin.
  • TODOS VUELVEN also known as ARCA DE NOE I and MI NARCISA DE JESUS, linked to Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales and Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin.

This decision by OFAC blocks all property and interests of these individuals and entities within U.S. control. The names added to the SDN List emphasize the U.S. government’s effort to combat international drug trafficking and related activities.

The designated persons and entities are involved in activities that contribute to drug trafficking networks. U.S. citizens and companies are expected to comply with the sanctions, ensuring they do not engage in prohibited transactions.


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