Mexican Officials Step Down Amid U.S. Drug Trafficking Charges

Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and Culiacán Mayor Juan de Dios Gámez Mendívil have announced temporary leaves of absence after being indicted by the United States on drug trafficking charges. The indictment, unsealed in New York, accuses them and eight other current and former Mexican officials of collaborating with the Sinaloa cartel to smuggle large quantities of narcotics into the U.S. in exchange for political support and bribes. Rocha, 76, denied the allegations, stating, "My conscience is clear." He emphasized his commitment to defending himself against what he described as "false and malicious" accusations. Gámez Mendívil also denied the charges and confirmed his temporary departure from office. In response, the Sinaloa state congress appointed Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde as interim governor. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the situation, asserting that any proven crimes would be prosecuted domestically, not in the U.S., to uphold national sovereignty. The Mexican Attorney General's Office has stated it will not arrest Rocha or the other accused officials pending further investigation.