The Governor of Sinaloa, Ruben Rocha Moya, has announced a temporary leave from office following drug trafficking accusations by the United States. The US Justice Department alleges Rocha Moya and nine others collaborated with the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute large quantities of narcotics into the United States. Rocha Moya strongly denies the allegations, describing them as “false and malicious” in a video statement. “I inform the people of Sinaloa that today I submitted to the State Congress my request for a temporary leave from the position of governor,” he said. He insists he is not involved in any criminal activity and that stepping aside will allow proper investigations.
Legal Immunity Removed
Juan de Dios Gamez, the mayor of Culiacán, also named in the charges, has stepped down as well. Their resignations remove the legal immunity attached to their offices, making them subject to further investigation. President Claudia Sheinbaum has called on the United States to provide stronger evidence to support the claims, stating that Washington must present “solid and irrefutable” proof. She noted that this is the first time such allegations have been publicly made against a sitting Mexican governor.
Strained Relations
The case adds strain to already tense relations between Mexico and the United States, particularly following recent incidents linked to anti-drug operations. The Sinaloa Cartel remains one of the most powerful criminal groups in the region and has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the US government. The developments come amid increasing pressure from Washington for stronger action against drug cartels, including controversial proposals involving direct US intervention.
