Mexican governor facing US drug charges says leaving office
Embroiled in drug trafficking charges, Ruben Rocha Moya has asked for another leave of absence just days after returning to his position as Sinaloa state governor.
Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya has sought a temporary but indefinite leave of absence from his position, days after his controversial return to office. The 77-year-old Mexican politician is currently wanted by US authorities for conspiracy to smuggle drugs. Rocha had stepped away from his role in May to face an investigation by Mexican prosecutors.
US prosecutors allege that Rocha and nine other officials from the ruling Morena Party conspired with a Sinaloa Cartel faction to traffic drugs into the US in exchange for bribes and political support. This marks the first time the US has publicly charged a sitting Mexican politician. Rocha denies the charges and claims they are attempts to harm the left-leaning Morena party.
Despite the backlash from his government and party, Rocha's return announcement was met with criticism from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who emphasized that no personal interests should outweigh the nation's wellbeing. She stated that power without principles can lead to arrogance, abuse, and ultimately confrontation with history.
Written by urgent.news from DW News's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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