WASHINGTON — The Trump administration decreed sanctions against Venezuelan Vice President Tareck El Aissami on Monday, saying he plays a major role in international drug trafficking.

The announcement, made on the Treasury Department’s website late in the day, is bound to ratchet up tensions between the U.S. and its harshest critic in Latin America. El Aissami is the most senior Venezuelan official to ever be targeted by the U.S.

FILE - In this Feb. 1, 2017 photo, Venezuela's Vice President Tareck El Aissami, right, is saluted by Boilivarian Army officer upon his arrival for a military parade at Fort Tiuna in Caracas, Venezuela. The administration of President Donald Trump is slapping sanctions on El Aissami and accusing him of playing a major role in international drug trafficking. That's according to individuals briefed on the U.S. government's plans who requested anonymity to disclose the move ahead of a formal announcement. (AP) ASSOCIATED PRESS LD/Fernando Llano

The U.S. also is sanctioning Samark Lopez, a Venezuelan businessman accused of being Aissami’s front man. Thirteen companies Lopez owns or controls, including five in Florida, will be blocked, and both men will be barred from entering the U.S.