The Governor of the Mexican state of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, and nine other current and former officials have been charged in the US on suspicion of facilitating the mass importation of drugs. This was reported by AP, according to UNN.
Details
The indictment was unsealed in federal court in New York. The defendants are charged with conspiracy to import drugs, as well as weapons-related crimes, including possession of machine guns and explosive devices.
According to the investigation, the case involves large-scale shipments of fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine to the US. If convicted, Rocha Moya could face life imprisonment or at least 40 years in prison.
Cartel Ties
The document states that the accused were linked to the Sinaloa Cartel, specifically the "Los Chapitos" faction, run by the sons of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán.
The investigation believes that the officials facilitated the cartel's activities and helped organize drug trafficking to the US. American prosecutors emphasize that such networks could not operate without the support of corrupt officials.
"The Sinaloa Cartel is a violent criminal organization that has flooded communities with dangerous drugs for decades,"
Reaction and Political Context
Rubén Rocha Moya rejected the allegations, calling them baseless.
"I categorically and completely reject these accusations,"
The Mexican government reported that it has received extradition requests, but did not specify names or report on further actions.
Top cartel member with $5 million US bounty detained in Mexico28.04.26, 04:40