Mexico’s Sinaloa Governor and Culiacán Mayor Resign Amid US Drug Trafficking Charges

A Mexican governor and the mayor of Culiacán in Sinaloa state have stepped aside after a sweeping US federal indictment accused them and other officials of conspiring with the Sinaloa cartel , intensifying a diplomatic and political crisis between Mexico and the United States.

Governor Rubén Rocha Moya, the most senior figure named, denied all allegations, insisting he has never protected cartel operations or accepted bribes tied to drug trafficking. He called the charges politically motivated and announced a temporary leave of absence to focus on his legal defence. Culiacán Mayor Juan de Dios Gámez Mendívil also rejected the accusations and stepped down.

The indictment, unsealed in New York, names 10 current and former officials, including a Mexican senator and police commanders, accusing them of narcotics importation conspiracy , weapons offences, and facilitating the movement of drugs such as fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine into the United States in exchange for bribes and political support.

Prosecutors allege members of the cartel’s “Chapitos” faction supported electoral influence operations during Rocha’s 2021 campaign, including intimidation of rivals and manipulation of local political structures.

Following the resignations, the Sinaloa congress appointed Yeraldine Bonilla Valverde as interim governor , while officials lose legal immunity previously attached to their posts. However, Mexico’s attorney general has not ordered arrests, citing ongoing review of evidence.

President Claudia Sheinbaum has insisted any prosecution must respect Mexican sovereignty and rely on verifiable evidence, while tensions with Washington continue to escalate over jurisdiction and anti-cartel strategy.