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.