US indictment alleges drug trafficking by Sinaloa officials; Rocha Moya denies claims

Two Morena politicians in Mexico’s northwestern Sinaloa state said they would step aside for now. The decision followed US charges against them and eight others. The indictment accused politicians and security officers of drug trafficking. It has sent shockwaves through Mexico’s political system.

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Gov. Rubén Rocha Moya denied claims that Rocha shielded the Sinaloa cartel. The indictment said Rocha helped move drugs into the US. It also alleged millions of dollars in bribes. In a short video released at midnight Friday, Rocha said, "My conscience is clear.\"

US drug trafficking charges name Morena officials in Sinaloa

Rocha added, \"To my people and to my family, I can look you in the eye because I have never betrayed you, and I never will.\" Rocha, 76, said Rocha would take temporary leave. Rocha said the aim was to fight \"false and malicious allegations\". Rocha also said Rocha would cooperate with a Mexican investigation.

Juan de Dios Gámez Mendívil, mayor of the state capital Culiacán, also announced leave. Gámez Mendívil was named in the same US indictment. Gámez Mendívil denied the accusations. Another defendant, Sen. Enrique Inzunza, said Inzunza would keep serving. Inzunza said Inzunza would defend against the charges while staying in office.

Morena officials lose immunity after stepping down in Sinaloa

Rocha and Gámez Mendívil had legal immunity as governor and mayor. That protection ended once both left office, even temporarily. Arturo Zaldívar, a former Mexican Supreme Court justice, posted on X. Zaldívar now advises President Claudia Sheinbaum. Zaldívar wrote, \"They can be detained like any person,\"

In a special vote on Saturday, the state’s local congress picked an interim leader. Lawmakers appointed Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde as interim governor. Bonilla Valverde is an ally of Rocha. Bonilla Valverde previously served as the state’s secretary of government. The appointment filled the gap created by Rocha’s leave.

Sheinbaum responds to US indictment against Morena figures

Sheinbaum has faced competing pressures over cartel policy. Sheinbaum has balanced Morena priorities with demands from US President Donald Trump. Sheinbaum said Sheinbaum would not protect anyone guilty of crimes. Sheinbaum also defended national sovereignty. Sheinbaum said Mexico would try the accused if evidence was \"irrefutable\".

That stance could anger a US administration that has threatened force in Mexico. Sheinbaum said on Friday, \"We will never subordinate ourselves because this is a matter of the dignity of the Mexican people,\" Sheinbaum also signalled limits on cross-border legal action. The issue has grown more sensitive as US pressure has increased.

Mexico’s attorney general’s office set out its immediate position. It said it would not arrest Rocha or the other accused officials. The office spoke while an investigation was pending. The statement came after the US asked Mexico to make arrests. The policy kept the accused free while domestic steps continued.

Rocha calls indictment political attack on Morena in Sinaloa

Rocha has been linked to earlier controversies in Sinaloa. Rocha was born in the same town as El Chapo. Rocha served as a point person for \"hugs not bullets\". That approach was tied to Andrés Manuel López Obrador. Sheinbaum has since dropped it. Rocha said, \"I will not allow myself to be used to harm the movement to which I belong - one that has improved the lives of millions of Mexican men and women,\"

In 2024, Rocha appeared in another public claim involving cartel figures. Rocha was named in a published letter by a then-Sinaloa cartel capo. The capo was kidnapped by a rival faction’s leaders. The capo was then handed to US law enforcement. The letter said the capo was going to meet Rocha when abducted.

The case has left Morena leaders managing legal and political risks on both sides. Sinaloa has installed an interim governor as the inquiry continues. Rocha and Gámez Mendívil said they stepped aside while denying wrongdoing. Sheinbaum has said any proven case should be tried in Mexico, not the US.

With inputs from PTI