Ex-DEA chief demands accountability for Mexico's Sinaloa governor over cartel ties

Derek Maltz, the former acting administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), has publicly called for accountability from Sinaloa Governor Rubén Rocha Moya. Maltz stated that Rocha Moya "must be held accountable for his actions" and suggested that the governor should face justice in the United States. He further alleged that "corrupt politicians provide substantial and critical services to TERROR CARTELS" and called for a high-level operation to bring Rocha Moya to the U.S.

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must be held accountable for his actions

This statement follows accusations from the U.S. on April 29, alleging that ten officials, including Governor Rocha Moya, protected operations of the Sinaloa Cartel, particularly the Los Chapitos faction. U.S. authorities claim these officials facilitated sensitive information and drug transport into the U.S. in exchange for millions in bribes, enabling the network to traffic fentanyl, cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. These accusations surfaced shortly after the DEA director, Terry Cole, described Mexico's Secretary of Security, Omar García Harfuch, as a "trusted partner and a good friend of the U.S." during an international conference in Argentina.

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corrupt politicians provide substantial and critical services to TERROR CARTELS. We need another high-level arrest and removal operation to the USA for Rocha to face justice.

Governor Rocha Moya made his first public appearance in a video after nearly four months of leave, asserting his intention to continue "governing with firmness." He pledged to work for Sinaloa and its people with commitment, despite the serious allegations from the United States. Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum commented on the importance of principles in power, stating on X that "no personal interest can ever be above the interests of the people" and of Mexico. She added, "Power without principles becomes arrogance; power without limits, abuse," though she did not directly name Rocha Moya when questioned by journalists.

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Today, I am back, I assume the responsibility of governing and working for Sinaloa and its people, as I have always done with the commitment to move our state forward, here I am and we are going to continue governing with firmness and dedication for our land, for Sinaloa.