Six alleged cocaine traffickers hit with US sanctions for ‘narco sub’ operations

Six alleged drug traffickers accused of using “narco subs” and aircraft to transport large quantities of cocaine were slapped with U.S. sanctions earlier this week, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. 

Two Colombians – Manuel Salazar Gutierrez and Yeison Andres Sanchez Vallejo – and four Guyanese nationals – Randolph Duncan, Himnauth Sawh, Mark Cromwell and Paul Daby Jr. – have been sanctioned for allegedly trafficking tons of cocaine from South America to the United States, Europe and the Caribbean, according to officials. 

“Under President [Donald] Trump, this administration has achieved the most secure border in modern history,” Deputy Secretary Michael Faulkender said in a statement. “The Treasury Department continues to bring our unique tools and authorities to the fight against cartels and their affiliates.” 

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The six alleged traffickers are facing U.S. sanctions for allegedly running a multinational cocaine smuggling ring using aircraft and narco subs. (U.S. Department of Treasury)

Officials allege that Daby Jr. and Duncan are responsible for operating the largest drug trafficking organizations throughout Guyana, relying on semi-submersible narco submarines and aircraft to transport cocaine while bribing local government officials.  

Sawh, a Guyanese police officer, is accused of funneling Venezuelan and Mexican drug traffickers transporting cocaine through Guyana, according to the Treasury. Cromwell, a former Guyanese police officer, is wanted by authorities for his involvement in the abduction of a fellow police officer last year. 

Colombian nationals Salazar and Sanchez are aiding in aircraft smuggling by overseeing airstrips as cocaine is transported from Colombia to Guyana, the department said. 

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A cargo vessel carrying 400 pounds of cocaine was discovered off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago in March 2025.  (U.S. Department of Treasury)

Cocaine packages stamped with the Toyota logo – known to be used by the Mexican Sinaloa Cartel – were discovered aboard a cargo vessel seized in March 2025. (U.S. Department of Treasury)

“All property and interests in property of the designated or blocked persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons are blocked and must be reported to OFAC,” the Treasury said. 

The sanctions come as authorities are attempting to crack down on homemade narco subs traveling through Guyana’s jungles while carrying record amounts of cocaine, according to U.S. officials. The Treasury points to the country’s proximity to the Caribbean and alleged corruption along its borders, ultimately allowing narco subs and aircraft to move throughout the country. 

“Guyana is a close partner of the United States in combating narcotics trafficking,” the Treasury said in a statement. “Nevertheless, according to a 2025 State Department International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, corruption in Guyana poses a significant obstacle to its efforts to combat drug trafficking.” 

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U.S. and Guyanese law enforcement seized approximately 5,200 pounds of cocaine from a self-propelled narco sub operating off the coast of Guyana on March 21, 2024. (U.S. Department of Treasury)

In March 2025, a cargo vessel from Guyana was discovered by authorities off the coast of Trinidad and Tobago carrying approximately 400 pounds of cocaine, the Treasury said. The packages were stamped with the Toyota logo, known to be used by the Sinaloa Cartel. 

Last year, U.S. and Guyanese law enforcement seized approximately 5,200 pounds of cocaine from a self-propelled narco sub operating off the coast of Guyana. 

Members of the Technical Investigation Board (CTI) inspect packages with cocaine on a narco submarine seized in Buenaventura, Colombia on March 20, 2021. According to the authorities, it contained several packages of cocaine, was destined for the coasts of Mexico and belonged to an armed group of the dissident FARC guerrillas.  (LUIS ROBAYO/AFP via Getty Images)

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The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment. 

“Treasury will continue to expose the criminal networks that allow for drugs to be trafficked into the United States,” Faulkender said. “[We will] work closely with our law enforcement colleagues and the Government of Guyana to disrupt the cartels wherever they operate.”