Key Facts

• US prosecutors charged Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha and nine others with ties to the Sinaloa drug cartel.
• They allege Rocha and others helped the cartel move drugs into the US and supported it through bribes and political favors.
• The charges claim cartel members interfered in the 2021 Sinaloa governor election by stealing ballots and intimidating opponents.
• Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said the US claims lack clear evidence and should be proven under Mexican law.
• Rocha denied the accusations, calling them politically motivated and promised to challenge them.
• The US is also cracking down on top cartel figures, including the sons of cartel cofounder Joaquin “El Chapo” Guzman.
• Recent arrests include key cartel leaders like Ovidio Guzman and Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, now in US custody.
• Experts say Mexican government actions in the coming days will be important to watch regarding these charges.