Sinaloa Governor Steps Down Amid US Drug Trafficking Charges
Governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state steps down after US drug indictment
Cnn
Image: Cnn
Ruben Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa, Mexico, announced his temporary resignation following a US indictment for drug trafficking. The indictment alleges he colluded with the Chapitos cartel faction to facilitate drug operations. Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde has been appointed as interim governor.
- 01Ruben Rocha Moya indicted on drug trafficking charges in the US.
- 02Allegations include collusion with the Chapitos cartel before his election.
- 03Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde appointed as interim governor.
- 04Rocha denies charges and seeks to facilitate investigations.
- 05The case highlights ongoing issues with organized crime in Mexico.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Ruben Rocha Moya, who has served as the governor of Sinaloa, Mexico, since 2021, announced on Friday that he will temporarily step down following a US indictment on drug trafficking charges. The indictment, unsealed on Wednesday, accuses Rocha and nine other officials of aiding the Chapitos cartel, led by the sons of notorious drug lord Joaquin Guzman Loera, also known as El Chapo. Allegations include collusion before Rocha's election to ensure cartel-friendly officials were in power and facilitating drug trafficking operations. Local lawmakers approved Rocha's request for a leave of absence, appointing Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde, the former Secretary of Government, as interim governor. In a video message, Rocha insisted on his innocence and stated that his resignation aims to support the investigation by Mexican authorities. The Mexican Attorney General's Office has indicated insufficient evidence to provisionally detain him for extradition but will review the case further. The indictment underscores the persistent challenges of organized crime in Mexico, with US prosecutors alleging that Rocha and others received millions in exchange for shielding cartel operations.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Rocha's resignation may affect local governance and law enforcement efforts against organized crime in Sinaloa.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Do you think Mexican officials should be held accountable for drug trafficking allegations?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.




