Former Mexican Governor Indicted on Drug Trafficking Charges

U.S. Indicts Mexican Governor on Drug Charges The U.S. Justice Department on April 29, 2026, unsealed federal indictments against Sinaloa Governor Rúben Rocha Moya and nine other current and former Mexican officials, alleging complicity with the Sinaloa cartel. This action, filed in U.S. District Court in New York, marks the first instance of the U.S. Justice Department indicting a sitting Mexican governor.

The 34-page indictment details an alleged pattern of bribes, murders, and kidnappings linked to high-ranking lawmakers and security chiefs in the northwestern state of Sinaloa. Specifically, the U.S. Justice Department alleges that the sons of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, known as “Los Chapitos,” assisted Rocha Moya in his election through intimidation tactics against rivals. The charges include narcotics and gun offenses, potentially carrying a life sentence.

Governor Rocha Moya, 76, a member of the ruling Morena party, immediately rejected the allegations, characterizing them as an attempt to violate Mexico's national sovereignty and undermine its government. This indictment creates a significant challenge for the Morena party and President Claudia Sheinbaum, whose administration has faced criticism for a perceived lack of high-level corruption prosecutions.

The charges could strain U.S.-Mexico relations and intensify scrutiny on Mexico's efforts to combat organized crime and corruption.