Mexican official accused by U.S. of drug trafficking abruptly resigns again

Mexican Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya, accused by the U.S. of drug trafficking, resigned again on Saturday only one day after returning to office. He declared in a social media post that he would resume his role as governor of Sinaloa, a position he abandoned in May to face a Mexican prosecutor's investigation. Less than 24 hours later, Rocha shared a document on X, requesting the state congress to grant him an indefinite temporary leave of absence.

This announcement sparked criticism from President Claudia Sheinbaum, a member of Rocha's party. She emphasized that no personal interests should ever be placed above the well-being of the people and of Mexico, without naming Rocha. When journalists inquired about Rocha's return, Sheinbaum instead directed them to her own X post.

U.S. prosecutors charged Rocha and eight other Morena party members in April for allegedly collaborating with the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute drugs in the U.S., marking the first time a Mexican politician was publicly charged by the U.S. The 77-year-old politician, who has been Sinaloa's governor since 2021, denied any wrongdoing and returned to office with a "clear conscience and head held high."

In 2023, Rocha was embroiled in a scandal involving the Sinaloa cartel, as a capo from a rival faction of the cartel, who was kidnapped by the cartel, claimed in a letter to law enforcement that he believed he was meeting with Rocha. Rocha faces federal charges including narcotics importation conspiracy and possession of machine guns and destructive devices, with a potential prison sentence of life or 40 years.