A federal grand jury in the United States has indicted the governor of Sinaloa, Mexico, and nine other high-ranking state officials on charges of drug trafficking and weapons violations. The accusations allege that these officials collaborated with drug cartels to smuggle narcotics into the U.S. in exchange for bribes and favors.
The Indictment Details
- Defendants Charged: Ruben Rocha Moya, the governor of Sinaloa (since 2021), and nine current or former Mexican officials.
- Alleged Activity: The indictment claims the officials aided a faction of the cartel led by the 'Chapitos' (sons of Joaquin Guzman Loera).
- Nature of Charges: The charges involve allegedly facilitating the entry of drugs like fentanyl and cocaine into the U.S., shielding cartel leaders from investigation, and enabling drug-related violence.
- Alleged Exchange: Prosecutors allege the defendants received millions of dollars in bribes for their cooperation.
Specific Allegations Against Officials
The indictment outlines several instances of alleged corruption and complicity:
- Rocha Moya's Alleged Dealings: Prosecutors claim Rocha Moya met with the Chapitos before his 2021 election and promised to install officials favorable to their drug operations. The indictment further alleges that cartel members were involved in intimidating opponents to secure his victory.
- Juan Valenzuela Millan: A former high-level commander in the Culiacan police department, he is accused of:
- Accepting bribes of approximately $41,000 monthly, which he distributed within the police force.
- Providing the Chapitos with access to police resources, including patrol cars and radios.
- Assisting in the kidnapping of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) source and another victim, who were subsequently killed by the cartel.
- Damaso Castro Zaavedra: The deputy attorney general for the Sinaloa state attorney general’s office is accused of receiving monthly payments of about $11,000 from the Chapitos for protecting them from arrests and providing advance warning of planned U.S.-backed operations.
Official Responses and Context
Governor Rocha Moya vehemently denied the charges, stating they lack any truth or foundation. He issued statements rejecting the accusations from the Southern District of New York Federal Prosecutor’s Office.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry confirmed receiving the extradition requests from the U.S. government but noted that they require further review, stating they lack “sufficient evidence” at this stage. The Ministry indicated that the Attorney General’s Office will determine the viability of the requests under Mexican law.
Background on Cartel Activity
Following the arrest of El Chapo, the cartel reportedly split into two factions: one led by the Chapitos and another by Ismael Zambada Garcia (El Mayo). U.S. authorities have previously charged members of the Chapitos faction, with some pleading guilty and others remaining at large in Mexico. Zambada was also charged and pleaded guilty in 2024.
