Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action

Issuing agencies

Abstract

The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is publishing the names of one or more persons and vessels that have been placed on OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) based on OFAC's determination that one or more applicable legal criteria were satisfied. All property and interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of these persons are blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in transactions with them. The vessels placed on the SDN List have been identified as property in which a blocked person has an interest.

Full Text

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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 163 (Tuesday, August 25, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 163 (Tuesday, August 25, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 54916-54918]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-17265]


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DEPARTMENT OF THE TREASURY

Office of Foreign Assets Control


Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action

AGENCY: Office of Foreign Assets Control, Treasury.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The U.S. Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets 
Control (OFAC) is publishing the names of one or more persons and 
vessels that have been placed on OFAC's Specially Designated Nationals 
and Blocked Persons List (SDN List) based on OFAC's determination that 
one or more applicable legal criteria were satisfied. All property and 
interests in property subject to U.S. jurisdiction of these persons are 
blocked, and U.S. persons are generally prohibited from engaging in 
transactions with them. The vessels placed on the SDN List have been 
identified as property in which a blocked person has an interest.

DATES: This action was issued on August 20, 2026. See SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION for relevant dates.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: OFAC: Associate Director for Global 
Targeting, 202-622-2420; Assistant Director for Sanctions Compliance, 
202-622-2490; or <a href="https://ofac.treasury.gov/contact-ofac">https://ofac.treasury.gov/contact-ofac</a>.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Electronic Availability

    The SDN List and additional information concerning OFAC sanctions 
programs are available on OFAC's website: <a href="https://ofac.treasury.gov">https://ofac.treasury.gov</a>.

Notice of OFAC Actions

    On August 20, 2026, OFAC determined that one or more persons and 
vessels identified below meet one or more of the criteria for the 
imposition of sanctions set forth in section 1(a)-(c) of Executive 
Order 14059 of December 15, 2021, ``Imposing Sanctions on Foreign 
Persons Involved in the Global Illicit Drug Trade,'' 86 FR 71549 (E.O. 
14059). OFAC has selected to impose blocking sanctions pursuant to 
section 2(a)(i) of E.O. 14059 on the persons identified below.
    OFAC further determined that one or more persons and vessels 
identified below meet one or more of the criteria for sanctions 
pursuant to Executive Order 13224 of September 23, 2001, ``Blocking 
Property and Prohibiting Transactions With Persons Who Commit, Threaten 
to Commit, or Support Terrorism,'' 66 FR 49079, as amended by Executive 
Order 13886 of September 9, 2019, ``Modernizing Sanctions To Combat 
Terrorism,'' 84 FR 48041 (E.O. 13224, as amended).
    As a result, the property and interests in property subject to U.S. 
jurisdiction of the following persons and vessels are blocked under the 
relevant sanctions authorities listed below.

Individuals

    1. ALARCON HOLGUIN, Jimmy Leonidas, Ecuador; DOB 06 Mar 1987; POB 
Manta, Manabi, Ecuador; nationality Ecuador; Gender Male; Cedula No. 
1312277484 (Ecuador) (individual) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059].

[[Page 54917]]

    Designated pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14059 for having 
engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that 
have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of 
materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit 
drugs or their means of production.
    2. MARTINEZ MENDOZA, Milton Edixson, Manabi, Ecuador; DOB 31 Aug 
1971; POB Ecuador; nationality Ecuador; Gender Male; National ID No. 
1307290450 (individual) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: LOS LOBOS 
DRUG TRAFFICKING ORGANIZATION; Linked To: LOS CHONEROS).
    Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(i) of E.O. 14059 for having 
provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, or 
technological support for, or goods or services in support of, Los 
Choneros and Los Lobos, sanctioned persons pursuant to E.O. 14059.
    Designated pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C) of E.O. 13224, as 
amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided 
financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services 
to or in support of, Los Choneros and Los Lobos, sanctioned persons 
pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended.
    3. MERO ARCENTALES, Edwar Alexis, Manabi, Ecuador; DOB 01 Jul 1980; 
POB Manta, Manabi, Ecuador; nationality Ecuador; Gender Male; Cedula 
No. 1309153755 (Ecuador) (individual) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059].
    Designated pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14059 for having 
engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that 
have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of 
materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit 
drugs or their means of production.
    4. MERO ARCENTALES, Roberth Alfonso, Manabi, Ecuador; DOB 01 Dec 
1970; POB Manta, Manabi, Ecuador; nationality Ecuador; Gender Male; 
Cedula No. 1306376458 (Ecuador) (individual) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059].
    Designated pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14059 for having 
engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that 
have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of 
materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit 
drugs or their means of production.
    5. MERO BERMELLO, Byron Aladino, Manabi, Ecuador; DOB 15 Jul 1983; 
POB Manabi, Ecuador; nationality Ecuador; Gender Male; Cedula No. 
1310415516 (Ecuador) (individual) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059].
    Designated pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14059 for having 
engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that 
have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of 
materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit 
drugs or their means of production.
    6. MERO FRANCO, Julio Javier (a.k.a. ``Javico''), Ecuador; DOB 09 
Aug 1991; POB Manta, Manabi, Ecuador; nationality Ecuador; Gender Male 
(individual) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: LOS CHONEROS).
    Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(i) of E.O. 14059 for having 
provided, or attempted to provide, financial, material, or 
technological support for, or goods or services in support of, Los 
Choneros, a sanctioned person pursuant to E.O. 14059.
    Designated pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(C) of E.O. 13224, as 
amended, for having materially assisted, sponsored, or provided 
financial, material, or technological support for, or goods or services 
to or in support of, Los Choneros, a sanctioned person pursuant to E.O. 
13224, as amended.
    7. MERO MERO, Alfonso, Ecuador; DOB 27 May 1945; POB Montecristi, 
Ecuador; nationality Ecuador; Gender Male; Identification Number 
1300092499 (Ecuador) (individual) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059].
    Designated pursuant to section 1(a)(i) of E.O. 14059 for having 
engaged in, or attempted to engage in, activities or transactions that 
have materially contributed to, or pose a significant risk of 
materially contributing to, the international proliferation of illicit 
drugs or their means of production.
    8. VERZ LAZ, Jhonny Francisco (a.k.a. ``Baron Poncho''), Ecuador; 
DOB 09 Aug 1996; POB Manta, Manabi, Ecuador; nationality Ecuador; 
Gender Male; National ID No. 1308357084 (individual) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-
EO14059] (Linked To: MERO FRANCO, Julio Javier).
    Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(iii) of E.O. 14059 for having 
acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, 
Julio Javier Mero Franco, a sanctioned person pursuant to E.O. 14059.
    Designated pursuant to section 1(a)(iii)(A) of E.O. 13224, as 
amended, for having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, 
directly or indirectly, Julio Javier Mero Franco, a sanctioned person 
pursuant to E.O. 13224, as amended.

Entities

    1. ALHO FISH, S.A., Manabi, Ecuador; Organization Established Date 
06 Nov 2009; Organization Type: Marine Fishing; RUC #1391767943001 
(Ecuador) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: ALARCON HOLGUIN, Jimmy 
Leonidas).
    Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(iii) of E.O. 14059 for being 
owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act 
for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon 
Holguin, a sanctioned person pursuant to E.O. 14059.
    2. ARCASDENOE, S.A. (a.k.a. EXPORTADORA Y EMPACADORA ARCASDENOE, 
S.A.), Manabi, Ecuador; website <a href="http://www.arcasdenoe.com">http://www.arcasdenoe.com</a>; Organization 
Type: Marine Fishing; RUC #1391785844001 (Ecuador); Registration Number 
50193 (Ecuador) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: MERO ARCENTALES, 
Edwar Alexis; Linked To: MERO MERO, Alfonso).
    Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(iii) of E.O. 14059 for being 
owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act 
for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Alfonso Mero Mero and 
Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales, sanctioned persons pursuant to E.O. 
14059.
    3. GLOBALDISTRIAL, S.A.S., Manabi, Ecuador; Organization 
Established Date 23 Apr 2024; Organization Type: Wholesale of 
construction materials, hardware, plumbing and heating equipment and 
supplies; RUC #1391936314001 (Ecuador) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked 
To: ALARCON HOLGUIN, Jimmy Leonidas).
    Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(iii) of E.O. 14059 for being 
owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act 
for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon 
Holguin, a sanctioned person pursuant to E.O. 14059.
    4. JAH-HMH, S.A.S., Manabi, Ecuador; Organization Established Date 
24 Oct 2024; Organization Type: Marine Fishing; RUC #1391937025001 
(Ecuador) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: ALARCON HOLGUIN, Jimmy 
Leonidas).
    Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(iii) of E.O. 14059 for being 
owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act 
for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon 
Holguin, a sanctioned person pursuant to E.O. 14059.
    5. NEGOCIOS JIMAR, S.A.S., Manabi, Ecuador; Organization 
Established Date 01 Jun 2022; Organization Type: Marine Fishing; RUC 
#1391932622001 (Ecuador) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: ALARCON 
HOLGUIN, Jimmy Leonidas).

[[Page 54918]]

    Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(iii) of E.O. 14059 for being 
owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act 
for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon 
Holguin, a sanctioned person pursuant to E.O. 14059.
    6. PROYECTOS NEYZOA, S.A.S., Manabi, Ecuador; Organization 
Established Date 06 Apr 2022; Organization Type: Marine Fishing; RUC # 
1391932427001 (Ecuador) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: ALARCON 
HOLGUIN, Jimmy Leonidas).
    Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(iii) of E.O. 14059 for being 
owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act 
for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon 
Holguin, a sanctioned person pursuant to E.O. 14059.
    7. SOISAMAR, S.A.S., Manabi, Ecuador; Organization Established Date 
31 Mar 2021; Organization Type: Marine Fishing; RUC # 1391924267001 
(Ecuador) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: ALARCON HOLGUIN, Jimmy 
Leonidas).
    Designated pursuant to section 1(b)(iii) of E.O. 14059 for being 
owned, controlled, or directed by, or having acted or purported to act 
for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon 
Holguin, a sanctioned person pursuant to E.O. 14059.

Vessels

    1. ARCA DE NOE III (HC4100) Fishing Vessel Ecuador flag; Vessel 
Year of Build 1997; MMSI 735058087; Registration Number P-04-00583 
(Ecuador) (vessel) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: MERO ARCENTALES, 
Edwar Alexis; Linked To: MERO ARCENTALES, Roberth Alfonso).
    Identified as property in which Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales and 
Roberth Alfonso Mero Arcentales, persons whose property and interests 
in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14059, have an interest.
    2. ARCA DE NOE III JR (a.k.a. ``ARCA JR. 3'') (HC6372) Fishing 
Vessel Ecuador flag; Vessel Year of Build 2019; Vessel Registration 
Identification IMO 8456035; MMSI 735059969; Registration Number P-04-
01069 (Ecuador) (vessel) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: MERO 
ARCENTALES, Edwar Alexis).
    Identified as property in which Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales, a 
person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to 
E.O. 14059, has an interest.
    3. ARCA DE NOE IV (HC4361) Fishing Vessel Ecuador flag; Vessel Year 
of Build 2000; MMSI 735058088; Registration Number P-04-00679 (Ecuador) 
(vessel) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: MERO MERO, Alfonso).
    Identified as property in which Alfonso Mero Mero, a person whose 
property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14059, 
has an interest.
    4. ARCA DE NOE V (HC4733) Fishing Vessel Ecuador flag; Vessel Year 
of Build 2005; MMSI 735058089; Registration Number P-04-00777 (Ecuador) 
(vessel) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: MERO ARCENTALES, Edwar 
Alexis).
    Identified as property in which Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales, a 
person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to 
E.O. 14059, has an interest.
    5. CONQUISTA (HC4941) Fishing Vessel Ecuador flag; Vessel Year of 
Build 1985; MMSI 735058723; Registration Number P-06-05063 (Ecuador) 
(vessel) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: MERO ARCENTALES, Edwar 
Alexis).
    Identified as property in which Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales, a 
person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to 
E.O. 14059, has an interest.
    6. COSTA MARLIN (HC4338) Fishing Vessel Ecuador flag; Vessel Year 
of Build 2000; MMSI 735057861; Registration Number P-04-01049 (Ecuador) 
(vessel) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: ALARCON HOLGUIN, Jimmy 
Leonidas).
    Identified as property in which Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin, a 
person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to 
E.O. 14059, has an interest.
    7. REY DE ARCA (HC4440) Fishing Vessel Ecuador flag; Vessel Year of 
Build 2009; MMSI 735058725; Registration Number P-04-00850 (Ecuador) 
(vessel) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: MERO MERO, Alfonso).
    Identified as property in which Alfonso Mero Mero, a person whose 
property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14059, 
has an interest.
    8. SIEMPRE MI ARCA (HC5299) Fishing Vessel Ecuador flag; Vessel 
Year of Build 2011; Vessel Registration Identification IMO 8555518; 
MMSI 735058993; Registration Number P-04-00905 (Ecuador) (vessel) 
[ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: MERO ARCENTALES, Edwar Alexis).
    Identified as property in which Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales, a 
person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to 
E.O. 14059, has an interest.
    9. SOLO ES MEJOR (HC6172) Fishing Vessel Ecuador flag; Vessel Year 
of Build 2012; MMSI 735059710; Registration Number P-04-00926 (Ecuador) 
(vessel) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-EO14059] (Linked To: ALARCON HOLGUIN, Jimmy 
Leonidas).
    Identified as property in which Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin, a 
person whose property and interests in property are blocked pursuant to 
E.O. 14059, has an interest.
    10. TODOS VUELVEN (a.k.a. ``ARCA DE NOE I''; a.k.a. ``MI NARCISA DE 
JESUS'') (HC4983) Fishing Vessel Ecuador flag; MMSI 735058319; 
Registration Number P-04-00819 (Ecuador) (vessel) [ILLICIT-DRUGS-
EO14059] (Linked To: MERO ARCENTALES, Edwar Alexis; Linked To: ALARCON 
HOLGUIN, Jimmy Leonidas).
    Identified as property in which Edwar Alexis Mero Arcentales and 
Jimmy Leonidas Alarcon Holguin, persons whose property and interests in 
property are blocked pursuant to E.O. 14059, have an interest.

(Authority: E.O. 14059; E.O. 13224, as amended.)

Bradley T. Smith,
Director, Office of Foreign Assets Control.
[FR Doc. 2026-17265 Filed 8-24-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4810-AL-P


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