Mexican Governor Accused by U.S. of Drug Trafficking, Requests Temporary Leave for Investigation

MEXICO CITY (CNA) — Mexican Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya, accused by the United States of colluding with drug trafficking groups, stated yesterday that he would temporarily step down to cooperate with the investigation.

According to AFP, Rocha Moya and nine others were indicted this week by the U.S. Department of Justice. He is accused of collaborating with the notorious Mexican drug lord “Sinaloa Cartel” to transport “large quantities” of drugs to the United States.

Rocha Moya, a member of the left-wing Morena party, to which Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum belongs, denounced these accusations as “false and malicious.”

Late last night, Rocha Moya stated on YouTube, “I announce to the people of Sinaloa that I have today submitted an application to the State Congress, requesting a temporary leave from the position of governor.”

Rocha Moya has close ties with former left-wing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador and has served as governor of the northwestern Mexican state of Sinaloa since 2021.

Juan de Dios Gamez, the mayor of Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state, also named by the U.S. Department of Justice, announced his resignation.

After their resignations, they will no longer enjoy immunity and will be subject to judicial investigations.

Prior to their resignations, Sheinbaum had demanded that the U.S. provide “concrete and irrefutable” evidence.

Sheinbaum pointed out that this is the first time the U.S. has publicly made drug trafficking accusations against a sitting Mexican governor or other high-ranking officials.

The incident has shocked all sectors and further exacerbated already tense U.S.-Mexico diplomatic relations. Previously, two alleged CIA agents died in anti-drug operations.

The “Sinaloa Cartel” is one of six Mexican drug cartels listed by the Trump administration as foreign terrorist organizations.

Washington has long pressured Sheinbaum to intervene in anti-drug trafficking operations, including allowing drone attacks or the deployment of U.S. military personnel. (Compiled by Ku Hsiang-ping) 1150503

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