of Sanctioned Guyanese Nationals
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio today unveiled a new visa restriction policy targeting family members, close personal associates, and business associates of individuals sanctioned under Executive Order 14059. This move follows the recent sanctions imposed on four Guyanese nationals for their involvement in drug trafficking.
The sanctioned individuals include Senior Superintendent Himnauth Sawh, Paul Daby Jr., Mark Cromwell (a former policeman), and Randolph Duncan. These sanctions were announced on June 5 by the US Department of the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
“The fentanyl crisis in the United States is unprecedented, with overdoses being the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 44,” Rubio stated. He emphasized that more than 40% of Americans reportedly know someone who has died from an opioid overdose, with the US averaging over 220 overdose deaths daily in 2024.
Rubio explained that the new visa restrictions expand upon existing tools, including sanctions under E.O. 14059 and visa ineligibilities for controlled substance traffickers as outlined in section 212(a)(2)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.
“Imposing visa restrictions on drug traffickers, their family members, and close associates will not only prevent them from entering the United States but will also serve as a deterrent for continued illicit activities,” he added.
Himnauth Sawh, who was serving as Police Commander of Region One (Barima-Waini) at the time of the sanctions, was involved in a significant drug bust last September, where 4.4 tonnes of cocaine, valued at over G$40.7 billion, were discovered near an illegal airstrip at Matthew’s Ridge. Following the sanctions, Sawh was placed on administrative leave to facilitate an investigation. He has been with the Guyana Police Force since June 3, 2008, with his last posting in the Force’s Projects Office.
The US Department of State reaffirmed its commitment to using all necessary tools to combat the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States, aiming to protect American citizens from the devastating effects of drug trafficking.
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