The Mexican political landscape is in turmoil following explosive allegations linking Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya to drug cartel leader Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada. A letter purportedly from Zambada claims he was betrayed by Rocha Moya, leading to his capture and extradition to the United States. In response to these allegations, the Mexican Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has opened an investigation into Governor Rocha Moya.The investigation encompasses a range of potential crimes, including ‘illegal flight, illicit use of aircraft, violation of immigration and customs legislation, kidnapping, treason, murder, and illegal deprivation of liberty’. Governor Rocha Moya has vehemently denied the allegations, stating, ‘There is nothing that can connect me to this matter and it makes no sense to claim that an organized crime member contacted me to resolve a problem’.The scandal has sparked intense political debate. Former presidential candidate Xóchitl Gálvez has called for a thorough investigation, criticizing President López Obrador’s cautious response. Meanwhile, President López Obrador and president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum have publicly supported Rocha Moya, with López Obrador suggesting that the allegations are part of a campaign by ‘conservatives’ to discredit his administration.This controversy has reignited discussions about narco-politics in Mexico and the government’s approach to combating organized crime. Some critics argue that the current administration’s policy of ‘abrazos, no balazos’ (hugs, not bullets) has allowed criminal organizations to operate with impunity. President López Obrador’s recent admission that arrest warrants for cartel leaders like Zambada were not executed to avoid violence has further fueled this debate.As the scandal unfolds, it continues to raise questions about the relationship between power and organized crime in Mexico, the effectiveness of the country’s anti-drug strategies, and the potential implications for Mexico’s political future.
Key points
- The Mexican Attorney General’s Office has opened an investigation into Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya based on allegations from cartel leader Ismael ‘El Mayo’ Zambada.
- President López Obrador and president-elect Claudia Sheinbaum have publicly supported Governor Rocha Moya, despite the allegations.
- The scandal has reignited debates about narco-politics and the effectiveness of Mexico’s anti-drug strategies.
Contradictions👾While Governor Rocha Moya denies any involvement with cartel activities, the letter attributed to ‘El Mayo’ Zambada claims otherwise.
👾President López Obrador’s public support for Rocha Moya contrasts with the Attorney General’s Office’s decision to open an investigation.
