U.S. Accuses Sinaloa Governor and Officials of Alleged Drug Trafficking Ties

US Accuses Sinaloa Governor

Officials Linked to Drug Cartels

Mexico Questions Lack of Evidence

The United States has filed accusations against officials from the Mexican state of Sinaloa over alleged links to drug trafficking.

Why it matters: The case involves active political figures and opens a new front of tension between the United States and Mexico.

The US Accuses Sinaloa Governors and Officials of Drug Cartel Links

According to EFE, the United States Department of Justice accused Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and other officials.

Also named were Juan de Dios Gámez Mendivil, along with other current and former officials.

The US Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York charged a total of ten individuals.

According to the statement, they allegedly conspired with leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel.

The goal was reportedly to import large quantities of narcotics into the United States.

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In exchange, those involved allegedly received political support and bribes.

Among those named are Enrique Inzunza Cázarez and Dámaso Castro Saavedra.

US authorities claim they collaborated with the cartel to traffic fentanyl, heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine.

They also allegedly protected organized crime members from investigations and arrests.

Allegations of Ties to ‘Los Chapitos’

Sinaloa officials face drug trafficking charges – PHOTO: EFE

Authorities claim the accused aligned themselves with the faction led by the sons of Joaquín ‘El Chapo’ Guzmán.

This faction is known as “Los Chapitos.”

According to the indictment, the accused received millions of dollars from the cartel.

The case also alleges that Rocha Moya benefited during his election in November 2021.

Authorities claim “Los Chapitos” intervened through kidnappings and intimidation of rivals.

It is also alleged that the governor allowed them to operate with impunity.

After the accusations became public, Rocha Moya categorically rejected them.

He stated they lack truth and foundation.

The governor described the charges as an attack on him and his political movement.

He also said he will prove the accusations are baseless.

Mexico Responds and Questions Lack of Evidence

I categorically and absolutely reject the accusations made against me by the Federal Prosecutor’s Office for the Southern District of New York, as they lack truth and any foundation. This will be demonstrated, with full force, at the appropriate time.

This attack is not only…

— Rubén Rocha Moya (@rochamoya_) April 29, 2026

The Embassy of the United States in Mexico indicated it cannot comment on specific details of the case.

However, it emphasized that corruption linked to organized crime will be investigated and punished when jurisdiction applies.

For its part, the Secretariat of Foreign Affairs of Mexico announced it will send a diplomatic complaint.

The reason is the way the accusations were made public.

It pointed out that the documents did not present evidence regarding the alleged links.

The ministry also reported receiving provisional arrest requests for extradition purposes.

These will be forwarded to the Attorney General’s Office of Mexico.

It also warned that this type of information should be handled confidentially.

Officials said the public release did not comply with those guidelines.

The Attorney General’s Office must now determine whether there are sufficient elements to proceed with arrests.

Among the former officials charged are Enrique Díaz Vega and Gerardo Mérida Sánchez.

Also included are former police commanders Marco Antonio Almanza Avilés and Alberto Jorge Contreras.

José Antonio Dionisio Hipólito and Juan Valenzuela Millán are also listed.

All face charges of conspiracy for drug trafficking and weapons possession.

Minimum sentences range from 40 years in prison to life imprisonment.

In the case of Valenzuela Millán, he is also accused of participating in kidnappings and killings linked to a Drug Enforcement Administration informant.

What’s Next: Authorities must determine whether extradition processes will move forward while diplomatic tensions continue to rise.

The development of the Sinaloa officials drug trafficking charges case will be key in shaping relations between both countries.