Mexico Challenges US Cartel Claims

Mexico Questions U.S. Cartel Allegations Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Thursday questioned U.S. accusations that Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha collaborated with the Sinaloa drug cartel, following U.S.

prosecutors charging him with ties to organized crime. Sheinbaum stated that the U.S.

claims lack credibility without concrete evidence and emphasized Mexico's commitment to truth, justice, and sovereignty. The U.S.

indictment, unsealed in New York, charges Rocha and nine other current and former officials with alleged links to the Sinaloa Cartel, potentially straining U.S.-Mexico relations.

U.S. prosecutors accuse the individuals of working with cartel leaders to facilitate drug trafficking into the U.S.

in exchange for political support and bribes. These alleged links reportedly extended to Rocha's 2021 gubernatorial campaign, where members of the cartel's "Chapitos" faction are accused of interfering in the election through ballot manipulation and intimidation.

U.S. authorities indicate that several charged individuals were aligned with the sons of jailed cartel co-founder Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman, using their official positions to protect cartel operations.

Rocha has denied the allegations, labeling them unfounded and politically motivated, vowing to challenge them. The indictment is part of a broader U.S.

effort against senior figures within the Sinaloa Cartel, including the recent arrests and extraditions of Ovidio Guzman and Joaquin Guzman Lopez, and the apprehension of Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada. Sheinbaum affirmed that Mexico would not shield any proven criminals but suggested that without clear evidence, the U.S.

Department of Justice's charges might be politically motivated.