The United States Justice Department charged Sinaloa state governor Ruben Rocha and other officials for alleged involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel. This move marks a significant escalation of U.S. anti-cartel action, likely to increase tensions between the two nations.
Rocha and others allegedly conspired with Sinaloa Cartel leaders to import massive quantities of narcotics into the US in exchange for political support and bribes. Such indictments against senior Mexican politicians are rare, marking a new front in the U.S fight against cartels, expanding investigations beyond criminal kingpins to include politicians.
Rocha’s indictment poses a challenge for President Claudia Sheinbaum, as they both belong to the ruling Morena party. Rocha is also an ally of Sheinbaum’s predecessor and mentor, former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.
US Attorney Jay Clayton stated that these charges aim to send a clear message to officials worldwide who work with narco-traffickers: no matter your title or position, we are committed to bringing you to justice.
Rocha denied the charges, calling them an attack on Mexico’s governing political movement. He vowed they would be proven false.
Mexico’s foreign ministry received several extradition requests for Mexican individuals earlier in the day but lacked sufficient evidence. The Attorney General’s Office is now investigating whether there is enough evidence to merit arrest warrants under Mexican law.
According to the Justice Department, Rocha was elected governor of Sinaloa in 2021 with help from a faction of the Sinaloa Cartel run by the sons of founder Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman. These “Chapitos” allegedly kidnapped and intimidated rivals in exchange for Rocha’s promise to allow their operations and drug distribution to the US.
The indictment follows last week’s pledge from U.S Ambassador to Mexico Ronald Johnson to take action against corruption in Mexico.