Executive Order 14059, signed by President Joe Biden, aims to impose sanctions on foreign individuals involved in the global illicit drug trade. This order is issued under the authority of various U.S. laws, including the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the National Emergencies Act (NEA), due to the severe threat that drug trafficking poses to U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economy.
Key Points:
- National Emergency Declaration: The President declares a national emergency to address the threat posed by international drug trafficking, including the proliferation of synthetic opioids like fentanyl.
- Sanctions Authority: The Secretary of the Treasury, in consultation with other key officials, is authorized to impose sanctions on foreign individuals who engage in or support drug trafficking activities. This includes:
- Blocking property and interests in the U.S.
- Prohibiting transactions with U.S. financial institutions.
- Denying entry to the U.S. for affected individuals.
- Sanctioned Individuals: The sanctions target individuals involved in the production, distribution, or financing of illicit drugs, and those providing support to such activities or associated persons.
- Implementation: Various U.S. departments and agencies are tasked with enforcing the sanctions, including blocking transactions and prohibiting contracts with sanctioned persons.
- Exemptions and Procedures: The order provides guidelines for exemptions and the procedures for implementing sanctions, including how the order will apply to visa and entry issues.
Example:
The United States recently imposed sanctions on former Haitian President Michel Martelly. Martelly was sanctioned for his involvement in facilitating drug trafficking and supporting gangs in Haiti. His actions contributed to political instability and violence in the country, leading to significant hardship for the Haitian people. This sanction underscores the U.S. commitment to holding accountable those whose actions destabilize nations and perpetuate violence, regardless of their political position.
Read the Executive Order: Imposing Sanctions on Foreign Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade
Read the Sanctions: Sanctions on Former Haitian President Michel Martelly for Drug Trafficking