The U.S. Department of Justice has formally accused Rubén Rocha Moya, governor of Sinaloa, along with nine other officials, of conspiring with the Sinaloa Cartel to traffic narcotics into the United States. The charges include drug importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and explosives, and conspiracy to possess such weapons, carrying potential sentences of 40 years to life imprisonment.
Key Facts
- Date of accusation: April 29, 2026
- Accused: Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and nine other officials from Sinaloa
- Charges:
- Conspiracy to import narcotics
- Possession of machine guns and explosives
- Conspiracy to possess weapons
- Potential penalties: Minimum of 40 years, up to life imprisonment
Officials Named
- Rubén Rocha Moya – Governor of Sinaloa
- Enrique Inzunza – Senator and former state secretary general
- Enrique Díaz Vega – Former Secretary of Administration and Finance
- Dámaso Castro Saavedra – Deputy prosecutor of the state
- Marco Antonio Almanza Avilés & Alberto Jorge Contreras Núñez – Former investigative police chiefs
- Gerardo Mérida Sánchez – Former Secretary of Public Security
- José Antonio Dionisio Hipólito – Former deputy police director
- Juan de Dios Gámez Mendívil – Mayor of Culiacán
- Juan Valenzuela Milán – Former municipal police commander, accused of involvement in the kidnapping and murder of a DEA source and relative
U.S. Authorities’ Position
- Prosecutors allege that the officials sold their positions in exchange for bribes, protecting cartel operations.
- The DEA described the Sinaloa Cartel as a designated terrorist organization, using corruption and violence to expand its influence.
- Officials emphasized that no one is above the law, highlighting cooperation between U.S. and Mexican partners.
Implications
- The accusations represent a serious strain on U.S.–Mexico relations, as they target high-ranking political figures.
- If proven, the case underscores the deep infiltration of organized crime into political structures in Sinaloa.
- The charges could lead to long-term diplomatic and judicial consequences, including extradition requests and intensified anti-cartel operations.
The U.S. indictment against Governor Rocha Moya and other officials marks one of the most significant legal actions against Mexican political figures in recent years, highlighting the alleged nexus between organized crime and state institutions.
With information from El Pais
