US accuses Mexican governor of alleged cartel ties, marking new front in drug war
The U.S. Justice Department has charged Sinaloa state Governor Ruben Rocha and several other Mexican officials with alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel, accusing them of facilitating drug trafficking in exchange for political support and bribes. The indictment marks a rare move against a sitting Mexican governor and signals an expansion of U.S. anti-cartel efforts to include high-level political figures. Mexico has questioned the evidence behind the extradition requests and is conducting its own investigation, while Rocha denies the allegations, calling them politically motivated.
- ▪The U.S. Justice Department charged Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha with conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel to import narcotics into the United States.
- ▪Rocha is accused of receiving support from 'Los Chapitos,' the sons of Joaquin 'El Chapo' Guzman, who allegedly helped secure his 2021 election through intimidation and violence.
- ▪The charges include other current and former Sinaloa state officials, the mayor of Culiacan, and a former police commander.
- ▪Mexico's foreign ministry stated that recent U.S. extradition requests lacked sufficient evidence, and the Attorney General’s Office is reviewing the case under Mexican law.
- ▪U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton stated the indictment sends a message that no official, regardless of position, is beyond reach if collaborating with drug traffickers.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
MEXICO CITY, April 29 (Reuters) - The U.S. Justice Department said on Wednesday it had charged the governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state, Ruben Rocha, and other officials for their alleged involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel, in a significant escalation of U.S. anti-cartel action that is likely to increase tensions between the United States and Mexico. The Justice Department said Rocha and the others allegedly conspired with leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel to import massive quantities of narcotics into the U.S. in exchange for political support and bribes. Indictments against sitting senior Mexican politicians are extremely uncommon and the charges against Rocha appear to mark a new front in the U.S.
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