Arabic version: الاتهام الأمريكي لحاكم سيناولا بالتعاون المزعوم مع الكارتلات

US prosecutors have accused the sitting governor of the Mexican state of Sinaloa, Rúben Rocha Moya, of conspiring with cartel drug traffickers. Moya, who hails from the party of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, is charged alongside nine other current and former Mexican government officials.

According to BBC News, the indictment claims that these elected leaders conspired with cartel leaders to import massive quantities of narcotics into the United States in exchange for political support and bribes. Moya has denied any wrongdoing, asserting that the accusations are part of a broader attack on his political project.

The Mexican government responded to the US charges by stating that the extradition requests lacked sufficient evidence, emphasizing that the documents did not include the elements of proof against those targeted for arrest. The Attorney General’s office in Mexico will ultimately decide on the matter.

The indictment marks a rare instance of a sitting Mexican governor being charged in the US, particularly one from the ruling party, presenting a significant challenge for President Sheinbaum. This legal action is part of an ongoing strategy by US authorities to combat drug trafficking and corruption in Mexico.