The Governor of Sinaloa, Ruben Rocha Moya, has announced he will temporarily step down from office following drug trafficking charges brought against him by the United States.
Rocha Moya and nine others were accused by the US Justice Department of working with the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute large quantities of narcotics into the United States. He has strongly denied the allegations. “I inform the people of Sinaloa that today I submitted to the State Congress my request for a temporary leave from the position of governor,” he said in a video statement.
He described the accusations as “false and malicious,” insisting he is not involved in any criminal activity. The governor, who has held office since 2021 and is a member of the Morena party led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, said stepping aside would allow for proper investigations to proceed.
Also stepping down is Juan de Dios Gamez, the mayor of Culiacán, who was also named in the charges. Their departure removes the legal immunity attached to their offices, making them subject to further investigation. President Sheinbaum has called on the United States to provide stronger evidence to support the claims.
She said Washington must present “solid and irrefutable” proof, noting that it is the first time such allegations have been publicly made against a sitting Mexican governor. The case has added strain to already tense relations between Mexico and the United States, particularly following recent incidents linked to anti-drug operations.
The Sinaloa Cartel remains one of the most powerful criminal groups in the region and has been designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the US government. The developments also come amid increasing pressure from Washington for stronger action against drug cartels, including controversial proposals involving direct US intervention.