Culiacán Mayor Seeks Leave Amid Narco Allegations; Interim Replaces Him

The political landscape in Culiacán has been shaken by serious accusations leveled by the United States government, leading to the temporary departure of Mayor Juan de Dios Gámez Díaz.

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With full confidence in the work of the institutions of this country, I have made the decision to request a temporary normal leave for more than 10 days, while an investigation like the one announced today takes place.

The mayor has requested a leave of absence of over ten days, citing a desire to allow investigations to proceed unimpeded. This move comes after the U.S. Department of Justice accused him, along with Governor Rubén Rocha Moya and several other prominent figures including federal legislators and former officials, of having ties to the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel. The gravity of these allegations has cast a dark shadow over the state administration.

During an extraordinary session, the city council granted the mayor's request, appointing Ana Miriam Ramos Villarreal, the city's legal procurator, to fill the vacancy. However, the decision was not without criticism. PRI councilwoman Erika Sánchez voiced her disappointment, stating that the mayor lacked the courage to face the public directly, especially a populace weary from nearly two years of pervasive violence.

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Our commitment is to truth, justice, and the defense of sovereignty.

This situation is particularly sensitive in Sinaloa, a region historically associated with drug cartel activity. The accusations not only threaten the political careers of those implicated but also raise profound questions about the integrity of local governance and its relationship with powerful criminal organizations. The international dimension of these accusations, originating from the U.S. Justice Department, adds another layer of complexity, highlighting the cross-border nature of the drug trade and its impact on Mexican politics. The focus now shifts to the ongoing investigations and whether they will bring clarity and accountability to a deeply troubled situation.

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The accusation against him, as well as against the governor and eight other people, including federal legislators and former officials, constitutes an act of shame for everyone, especially for a pained society that shouts their truths at them every time they go out on the street.