Sinaloa governor steps aside as US accuses him of cartel ties, raising pressure on Mexico over corruption and sovereignty concerns.
The governor of Mexico’s Sinaloa state has stepped aside as a local investigation begins after the United States accused him of links to a drug cartel.
Ruben Rocha said he would leave office temporarily while the case proceeds, as pressure grows on Mexican authorities over the allegations.
“I can look at my people and my family in the eye because I have not betrayed them and I will never betray them,” Rocha said.
The US indictment named Rocha and other current and former officials, alleging involvement with the Sinaloa Cartel in trafficking drugs into the United States.
Rocha denied the claims and described them as an attack on his political movement. He belongs to the Morena party, the same party as President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Sheinbaum said extradition requests linked to the charges would be reviewed and that “clear evidence” would be needed before any action.
The case has drawn attention to tensions between Mexico and the United States over security and sovereignty, with Washington calling for stronger action against organised crime.
Mexico has faced long-standing concerns about links between officials and criminal groups, while also resisting what it sees as external pressure.
Sinaloa’s state congress has appointed Yeraldine Bonilla as interim governor during Rocha’s absence.