US Charges Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya and Other Mexican Politicians for Drug Trafficking

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

The United States Department of Justice indicted the Governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya , as well as nine other Mexican officials, on drug and weapons-related crimes linked to the Sinaloa Cartel .

Among those accused are current and former high-ranking officials from both the government and law enforcement agencies of the state of Sinaloa, who are accused of associating with the Sinaloa Cartel to distribute large quantities of drugs to the United States.

US Indictment Here

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One year after"El Mayo" Zambada was turned over to authorities and the death of Cuén, which sparked the war in Sinaloa.

 CHAR 

JULY 25, 2025 

INFORMATION BY LOS NOTICIERISTAS 

JULY 25, 2025 

The News

On July 25, 2024, one year ago, news of the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada began to spread like wildfire in international, national, and Sinaloa media, as well as on social media and WhatsApp groups. But it wasn't the only news; there was also talk of the arrest of Joaquín Guzmán López, son of “El Chapo.” Both were being held by the United States government.

That same day, the Attorney General of the neighboring country, Merrick B. Garland, confirmed that “El Mayo” Zambada and “El Chapo's” son were detained in El Paso, Texas. Both were accused of multiple counts of criminal activity, as well as being part of that country's fentanyl manufacturing and trafficking network.

The hours passed, the news shook Sinaloa and the country, and no federal authority issued a statement. It was the following day, July 26, when the then President of the Republic, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, asked his Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), Rosa Icela Rodríguez, to provide the information they had.

The federal official stated that it was at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 25, when a call was received from the U.S. Embassy alerting them to the custody of both drug traffickers. The identities of both alleged criminals were later verified, prompting the Mexican government to request a photo and notify the secretaries of the Navy and the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena).

At the same time, Rosa Icela emphasized that "the Mexican government did not participate in this arrest or surrender, and we will continue to collaborate with the United States government," she said, leaving more questions than answers for Mexicans and unnerving the people of Sinaloa who, although they imagined what was coming, never realized the magnitude of this war fueled by drone attacks and explosive devices.

MAYO ZAMBADA

JOAQUIN GUZMAN LOPEZ

Zambada's Letter

Sixteen days after "El Mayo" was arrested, he broke his silence and shared a letter through his lawyer describing what happened on July 25 at the Huertos del Pedregal farm in Culiacán, Sinaloa, where he had supposedly been summoned to resolve the political conflict at the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS).

In the letter, which was released on August 10, Ismael Zambada stated that he was the victim of an "ambush" orchestrated by Joaquín Guzmán López, son of "El Chapo" Guzmán, who allegedly kidnapped him to hand him over to the United States government.

I want to say from the outset that I did not surrender and I did not come to the United States voluntarily, nor did I have any agreement with either government. On the contrary, I was kidnapped and brought to the United States by force and against my will.

I also had no agreement with either government. On the contrary, I was kidnapped and brought to the United States by force and against my will,” he stated.

According to his account, Joaquín Guzmán López requested a meeting with Ismael Zambada to resolve some political differences in Sinaloa.

“El Mayo” shared that he arrived at the meeting place before 11:00 a.m. accompanied by four members of his security detail. Two remained outside the perimeter, while others entered with him: José Rosario Heras López, commander of the Judicial Police of the State of Sinaloa, and Rodolfo Chaidez, a longtime member of his security team.

On the way to the meeting area, he saw Cuén Ojeda and one of his aides, whom he greeted briefly. When he met Joaquín Guzmán López, the latter gestured for him to follow him, and they led him to another darkened room.

"As soon as I set foot inside that room, I was ambushed. A group of men assaulted me, threw me to the floor, and placed a dark-colored hood over my head. They tied me up and handcuffed me, and then forced me into the back of a pickup truck," recalled Zambada, who asserted that he was subjected to physical abuse that caused injuries to his back, knees, and wrists.

Later, they took him to a landing strip where they forced him onto a private plane with only the pilot, Joaquín, and himself on board. The flight lasted approximately three hours to El Paso, Texas, where US agents were already waiting for him.

"The notion that I voluntarily surrendered or cooperated is completely and unequivocally false. I was brought to this country by force and under duress, without my consent and against my will," he said.

Investigation Timeline

In August 2024, the Attorney General's Office requested the case and opened an investigation against Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López for the possible crimes of illegal flight; illegal use of air facilities; violation of immigration and customs laws; kidnapping; treason (Article 123 of the Federal Penal Code); and any other related charges.

The agency requested all relevant information from the governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, which he provided to authorities and the media, demonstrating that he had not been in Sinaloa on the day of the alleged meeting at the farm. He also clarified that he was never aware of the meeting and that "El Mayo" had likely been summoned under this false pretense.

In February 2025, Attorney General Alejandro Gertz Manero confirmed that the Mexican government had requested Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada's repatriation to Mexico from the moment he was arrested in the United States, as he has three arrest warrants against him in Mexico.

The Murder of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda

That same July 25, 2024, the day of the surrender of "El Mayo" along with the son of "El Chapo," but already after 9:00 p.m., Sinaloa was shaken again by the news of the attack on the leader of the Partido Sinaloense, Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda, at a gas station located on the Mexico 15 international highway, near the town of La Presita, north of Culiacán.

He was transferred to a private hospital in the city of Culiacán, but it was reported that he had arrived without vital signs. Reporters crowded outside the clinic, broadcasting live, still in disbelief at what was happening.

However, in the letter in which "El Mayo" describes how he was kidnapped, he revealed that Cuén was murdered on the same ranch and at the exact time he was taken from the farm to the United States.

I know that the official version given by the Sinaloa state authorities is that Héctor Cuén was shot on the night of July 25th at a gas station by two men on a motorcycle who wanted to steal his truck. That is not what happened. They killed him at the same time and in the same place where I was kidnapped," he stated.

Zambada García lamented the murder of someone he considered his friend, as well as the disappearance of two members of his security team: José Rosario Heras López and Rodolfo Chaidez. They remain missing to this day.

In August 2024, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) complained about inaccuracies in the investigation conducted by the Attorney General's Office of the State of Sinaloa into the murder of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda. Among the most notable are:

The autopsy did not correctly establish the immediate cadaveric signs, temperature, thanatological signs, lividity, or the correct description and evolution of the body.

In August 2024, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) complained about inaccuracies in the investigation conducted by the Attorney General's Office of the State of Sinaloa into the murder of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda. Among the most notable are:

The autopsy did not correctly establish the immediate cadaveric signs, temperature, thanatological signs, lividity, or the correct description and evolution of the body.

• The body has severe bruising on the head.
• The body was shot four times in the legs.
• The gas station video has sound, but only one gunshot can be heard.
• The crime scene and vehicle have not been criminally processed.
• Although there are human blood stains in the truck's bed, there are no expert reports or determinations on the matter.
• Nor have all the authorities involved complied with the body preservation measures, allowing cremation, which is contrary to criminalistic practices for homicide investigations.

For this reason, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) flatly rejected the version that Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda was murdered at a gas station in Culiacán, calling it "unacceptable" and a "set-up."

The Farm in Huertos del Pedregal

On August 21, Attorney General's Office agents located the farm named San Julián/Santa Julia, where the alleged meeting was held where Zambada García was kidnapped to be handed over to the United States government, and, it is now known, where Cuén Ojeda was murdered.

The property is located on the right side, at the end of the main avenue in the rural area, near the Bellavista police station, part of the Culiacancito municipality. It has a large wall with an electric fence at the top, security gates, a large pool, thatched roofs, grills, and beautiful gardens with palm trees.

At first glance, traces of dried blood were visible on the access ramp to the main entrance gate of the property. The Attorney General's Office began the searches on August 31.

In October 2024, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) reported that blood stains were found on the property, which federal forensic units have accurately determined correspond to the former rector of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa, Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda. This confirms that the person was present at the scene of the kidnapping and that his bloodstains correspond to the time the Federal Public Prosecutor's Office has established as the time of his murder, which occurred many hours before the locally released video of a gas station, which has since been dismissed by the FGR itself.

It also reported that human blood was found in the bed of the vehicle, corresponding to Rodolfo "C," currently missing and referred to in Ismael Zambada's letter as his bodyguard or member of his security team.

For all of the above reasons, the Attorney General's Office (FGR) has initiated an investigation into the alleged criminal and administrative responsibilities of police officers, public prosecutors, experts, and various personnel from the Attorney General's Office of the State of Sinaloa, who have already been thoroughly investigated for their involvement in the death of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda.

Message of calm overtaken by reality

Days after Zambada's surrender, and given the context of the conditions in which it had taken place, journalists asked a Defense commander if they expected the violence in Sinaloa to escalate, and the answer was no.

I think not, but we will remain alert; we are prepared for any situation, with sufficient force to react to any eventuality. After this arrest, things have been relatively calm."

Things changed, and then a war between criminal groups would ensue, taking the streets as a battlefield and driving back the population.

September 9

Once the farm was located in August and the letter confirming the rumors was revealed: Ismael Zambada had been ambushed and handed over "by force" to the United States. On September 9, a shootout that left several soldiers wounded and one dead marked the beginning of the war between the two factions of the Sinaloa Cartel: on the one hand, the Zambadas' fury over the surrender of "El Mayo," and on the other, "Los Chapitos" defending the territory and containing the backlash attacks for having handed Ismael Zambada over to the US government.

At the end of his letter, "El Mayo" Zambada sent a message:

I also call on the people of Sinaloa to exercise restraint and maintain peace in our state. Nothing is resolved with violence. We've traveled that path, and we all lose," he concluded.

A message that was evidently not heeded by the groups that unleashed an era of shootouts fueled by explosive devices, executions, kidnappings, and bloodthirsty narco-messages accompanied by mutilated bodies, tire-punching in public spaces, attacks on homes, and assaults on the Mexican Army and police in Sinaloa. This has now lasted more than 10 months, resulting in the deaths of innocent people in the crossfire.

Today in Sinaloa, in addition to local police forces, there are federal reinforcements with more than 15,000 members of the Army, Navy, National Guard, and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection. Omar García Harfuch and President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo's security cabinet are constantly visiting to restore peace and tranquility to the people of Sinaloa.

Despite the results of more than 1,500 arrests, the seizure of thousands of firearms, and even though there are less "ugly" days than at the beginning, the question for the people of Sinaloa remains the same: When will the violence end?

SOURCE: LOS NOTICIERISTAS 

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A Sinaloa government official was killed in Zapopan; his family has identified him. The Victim Was Believed To Be An Associate Of Ivan Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar “El Chapito”

 CHAR

JUNE 16, 2025

INFORMATION BY EL OCCIDENTAL 

Lázaro Gambino was accused of being the brother-in-law of Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, alias "El Chapito."

Elizabeth Ibal and Román Ortega

In a direct attack in Zapopan, Lázaro Gambino Espinosa, president of the Local Board of Conciliation and Arbitration of the State of Sinaloa, was shot and killed.

The murder occurred when Lázaro Gambino Espinosa was at the intersection of Independencia and 5 de Mayo streets in the San Juan de Ocotan neighborhood, in the former Villa Maicera neighborhood.

At around 4:55 p.m. this Sunday, the Zapopan Public Security Police Station reported that a man had been shot and wounded.

It was later learned that the man died inside a grocery store after a man shot him. A gray Volvo SUV, apparently belonging to the slain man, was also found at the intersection.

Paramedics arrived at the scene and confirmed the death of the man, who had gunshot wounds to the head and torso.

Sources from the Zapopan Police Station confirmed that the slain man was identified as Lázaro Gambino Espinosa. The killer was reported to have fled on foot in an unknown direction.

Agents from the State Attorney General's Homicide Unit arrived at the scene to begin an investigation and determine whether he was shopping at the store or had entered the store to seek refuge.

To date, the State Attorney General's Office has not released any lines of investigation into the case or any other statement regarding the crime.

Following the murder, the Culiacán Law School of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS) mourned the death of Lázaro Gambino Espinosa, who was also a former director and professor at the institution.

He has already been identified

The State Prosecutor's Office reported that the family has already identified him as a lawyer and professor at the Autonomous University of Sinaloa.

"Currently, the Jalisco State Prosecutor's Office is investigating the events and determining responsibility," the communications department reported.

Who was he?

Gambino Espinosa was one of the most trusted men of the Governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya. He was also suspected of being the brother-in-law of Iván Archivaldo Guzmán Salazar, alias "El Chapo," son of Joaquín "El Chapo" Guzmán, since Gambino married Olga Ereyda Lindoro Navidad, sister of Zulema Aracely Lindoro Navidad, Iván Archivaldo's partner.

In March 2018, he was appointed Coordinator of Legal Affairs at the Autonomous University of Sinaloa and Director of the Barandilla Court of the Culiacán City Council.

The official was also linked to the Partido Sinaloense (PAS), founded by former rector Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda.

On November 1, he was appointed by Rocha Moya as president of the Local Board of Conciliation and Arbitration of the State of Sinaloa.

In January of this year, he was in the spotlight after flyers were distributed alleging his relationship with Iván Archivaldo and his alleged money laundering through suit rental businesses.

ZULEMA LINDORO NAVIDAD WIFE OF IVAN EL CHAPITO 

SOURCE: EL OCCIDENTAL 

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The La Mayiza Criminal Group Release Audio Broadcast Calling Out Ruben Rocha Moya Governor Of Sinaloa For Supporting La Chapiza Cartel And Claim Jose Angel Canobbio Inzunza Was Freed By Sinaloa Government

 "Char" for Borderland Beat 

JANUARY 24, 2025

BY: CHAR

The top aide or secretary of El Comanche once again released an audio broadcast criticizing La Chapiza members and the Sinaloa government. El Comanche is a high-ranking member of the "Mayo Zambada" criminal organization, which is led by Ismael Zambada Sicairos, "Mayito Flaco" son of Ismael Zambada Garcia. 

Sinaloa has seen a wave of violent events in recent days, and what has become clear for the Sinaloan people is the Governor of Sinaloa Ruben Rocha Moya has to step down from his position. Although Ruben Rocha Moya seems to have the support from the Mexican federal government, the people of Sinaloa believe otherwise. 

The following audio broadcast by the secretary of El Comanche claims that Ruben Rocha Moya is supporting La Chapiza, and freed Jose Angel Canobbio Inzunza, "El Guerito" principal lieutenant of Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazar from a recent military operation. 

El Comanche and his brother McKlein are leading operations against the La Chapiza Cartel in Culiacan, Sinaloa, with the blessing of Ismael Zambada Sicairos. 

VIDEO TRANSLATION

BY: SOL PRENDIDO 

Hello there Chapo Zetas. Hello there Chapo Zetas. You’re no longer Chapo Zetas. Now, you guys are child killers. Despicable pigs, swine, murderers of innocents. All of that crying that you’re doing with Mayito Flaco. Blaming us for killing innocent civilians. When you know damn well that it was you guys who killed those two kids recently. 

Filthy pigs. On top of this Rocha Moya is covering for your mob. It’s clearly evident with everyone he let go. Case in point would be for El Mórral and Jose Angel. They were detained and released afterwards. This conflict of ours will never end. We know that Rocha Moya is shielding your cartel. 

The following goes for that coward JL. Commander Comanche wants to battle you. Just say the word whenever you’re ready for this. We can meet up for that confrontation in the same manner that we’ve done it out in the community of Elota. Those gunmen that we have out there will engage you. 

They’re not much for small talk but will come out to war against you. Unlike you guys who just run your mouths over the radios while asking that we come closer towards you. We’re already aware that you guys are nothing more than filthy pigs. It took the killing of innocent civilians for us to come out looking for your gang of fucking pigs. 

You’re better off giving support to your personnel out in Elota since we’re slowly taking them out. Go out there and help your shooters out instead of challenging Comanche. We’ve already demonstrated for you faggots that we’re not afraid. Stop doing that childish shit of hanging narco messages claiming we’re responsible.  

All of the citizens, the townspeople, know that you scumbag vermin are all supported by the government of Rocha Moya. Soon enough your charade will come to an end. Keep killing women and children. 

This communique goes out specifically to all of the women out there. Pay close attention. Every female that’s giving the Chapo Zetas aid at the drug spots, gambling dens, acting as guides in patrol vehicles while the gunmen maintain a safe distance behind them. You seem to think that we’re not aware of what’s actually going on. 

But the thing is that we’ve got it all figured out already. Stop engaging in bullshit. You’re better off doing something else with your lives. Otherwise, bad things will happen to you. The filthy pigs labels thrown our way will be the only thing used in your defense. You’re each responsible for the harm that comes your way for having helped out these scumbags. 

Step away from these matters while you still can. This conflict is man versus man. Between Chapo operatives and Mayos. Only men can engage in this war. Come on out for that armed confrontation whenever you guys are ready. You scumbag murderers of children should already know that we’re on the outskirts of town. Not within the city limits. Long live Mayito Flaco! We hold no fear you fucking faggots. 

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‘Ruben Rocha Out!’ Protesters Protest Murder of Brothers Gael 12 Year Old and Alexander 9 Year Old in Culiacan. Another Violent Black Thursday In Culiacan, Sinaloa.

 "Char" for Borderland Beat

This information was posted by EL FINANCIERO 

Over the weekend in Culiacán there were five homicides: two occurred in the Los Ángeles neighborhood, when a family was traveling in a car; the driver and two of his children died.

JANUARY 23, 2025

WRITTEN BY: CARLOS VELAZQUEZ

With the slogan ‘Rubén Rocha Out!’, parents, teachers and students protested this Thursday, January 23 in Culiacán against the murder of a family, the father and two of his children, who were shot last Sunday.

The protesters reached the third floor where the office of Governor Rubén Rocha is located, who a few days ago said that in the state one can live perfectly well; the people broke a glass door in the government offices.

Hundreds of families dressed in white marched to demand justice for the murder of the children Gael and Alexander, 12 and 9 years old, respectively, as well as their father Antonio de Jesús, 32 years old.

They were traveling in a car on Agricultores Avenue, in the Los Ángeles neighborhood, east of Culiacán, when it seems that they tried to steal the vehicle. The driver accelerated the car and was chased with gunfire. Antonio de Jesús died on the spot.

The boy Gael was injured, but died while being treated in the hospital, while Alexander died this Wednesday. Another 17-year-old child is still being treated for gunshot wounds and is hospitalized.

What were the violent events recorded this Thursday, January 23 in Culiacán?

The city of Culiacán woke up agitated by violent events from seven in the morning: a device exploded at the tomb of Edgar Guzmán, son of Chapo Guzmán, in the parking lot of a shopping center.

In a central space there is a sarcophagus dedicated to Edgar Guzmán López, murdered on May 8, 2008 in the midst of the war against drug trafficking declared by then-president Felipe de Jesús Calderón Hinojosa.

An armed group arrived this morning and launched the explosive that caused damage to the mausoleum, leaving only a two-meter-high cross and pieces of cement around it.

A 2015 blue Sentra was parked on the side of the vehicle and one of the passenger side doors was damaged. The vehicle belonged to one of the City Club tire shop employees.

Violent day in Culiacán, Sinaloa. (Carlos Velázquez).

The firefighters, whose northern station is located one kilometer from the plaza, arrived to inspect the place, they only found the pieces of cement, however, the municipal police guarded the place.

Almost at the same time, on the other side of the city, south of Culiacán, a municipal police patrol was attacked with bullets by an armed group. Two uniformed officers were killed and two others were injured.

The events occurred at 8:40 a.m. on Mexico Avenue 68 corner with Álvaro Obregón, in front of the municipal park Culiacán 87. The police officers who died were identified as Isidro and Jasiel, while one of the injured is Francisco Eduardo. The uniformed officers were traveling in municipal patrol 0768 with logos of the Municipal Police of Culiacán.

The Public Security Secretariat confirmed the attack, which was directed against the police officers when they were conducting surveillance patrols in the southern part of the city.

The patrol car was left with several holes in the body and windows from the gunshots and inside were the two deceased police officers, one was the driver and the other one of those traveling in the back.

Two other uniformed officers were injured and were taken to the General Hospital of Culiacán. With these attacks, there are now seven police officers who have been killed in Culiacán, since the confrontation between the criminal groups of Los Chapitos and the son of Mayo Zambada began.

Police officers have been killed in Mazatlán and Culiacán, the municipalities where the violent events have taken place since September 9.

PROTEST IN SINALOA GOVERNOR PALACE 

SOURCE: EL FINANCIERO 

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Sinaloa Governor Being Investigated by Sheinbaum Administration, Sinaloa & Durango SEDENA General Relieved of Command

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

From an Investigation by Proceso

Morena governor Rubén Rocha Moya is on the brink of the abyss as he reaches the halfway point of his six-year term. Cornered by his alleged relationship with the Sinaloa Cartel and with the territory he governs semi-paralyzed by the violence that has left dozens of victims, the governor is under the scrutiny of the intelligence agencies of the Mexican federal government due to the suspicion of having taken the side of the criminal group Los Chapitos, betraying the Mayo Zambada faction.

According to information obtained by Proceso, the National Intelligence Center (CNI) and military intelligence services “are personally following and keeping Rocha Moya under surveillance” on the instructions of then-President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and with the approval of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

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Mexican Military Disarms Entire Municipal Police Force in Culiacan

"Socalj" for Borderland Beat

Local police in the city of Culiacan, Mexico have been pulled off the streets after the Mexican Army seized their guns, officials announced Monday. This came just one day after about 1,500 residents of Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa, held a march Sunday through the city’s downtown to demand peace.

Ruben Rocha, the state’s governor, said Monday the entire 1,000-member municipal police force would not return to duty until they get their weapons back. Soldiers, state police and National Guard will take over patrolling until then.

Rocha said the seizure of the weapons for inspection of their permits and serial numbers was not a routine check, but rather was “exceptional,” and said “we hope it will end soon.”

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López Obrador's Opinion On The Possible Indictment Of Former Prosecutor Sara Bruna Quiñonez: Sinaloa

 "Char" for Borderland Beat 

This article was translated and reposted from LOS NOTICIERISTAS

WRITTEN BY: TERE PEREZ 

AUGUST 22, 2024

Mexico City, Mexico - This Thursday in a 'morning' conference, the President of Mexico, Andrés Manuel López Obrador, emphasized that it is up to the Attorney General's Office (FGR) to decide on a possible indictment of the former Attorney General of Sinaloa, Sara Bruna Quiñonez, due to the inconsistencies found in the state investigation into the murder of Héctor Melesio Cuén Ojeda.

At the National Palace AMLO was asked if Quiñones is indicted, to which the federal president responded:

“I have no information”.

“That will be up to the Attorney General's Office, they are doing the diligences and I imagine that they will call to testify all the interested parties involved”, he added.

López Obrador, considered that he cannot give opinions lightly, due to the sensitivity of the matter.

“I cannot give my opinion on this matter lightly, it is a very serious matter, since it is also common knowledge that we are under scrutiny, not by the people, fortunately the people trust us, but by the media... many of which are manipulative,” he explained.

AMLO said that now he has to 'watch his words' and be even more careful and cautious, “because everything I say is used against me, my adversaries are very angry”.

He called for trust in the Attorney General's Office and reiterated that “there is no impunity for anyone”, insisting that he has no say in the matter.

He took the opportunity to recall the case of Genaro García Luna, ex-Secretary of Security during the six-year term of Felipe Calderón, insisting that it was a period of 'narco-state'.

“They have also strangely postponed the final ruling (of García Luna's sentence), lately they said that it is going to be in October and that there will no longer be any alterations,” he commented.

“That is what there is and if everything has to be known and the Prosecutor's Office has to act,” he clarified.

On the other hand, he was asked if he thinks it would be convenient for the governor of Sinaloa, Rubén Rocha Moya, to extend his statements on this case and explain if Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada was a political operator in Sinaloa.

“That is for the Attorney General's Office to decide, but if the Attorney General's Office considers that it is important for the investigation, all citizens are obliged,” said AMLO.

The reporter insisted that if she considered it 'healthy' for Rocha Moya to expand his statements.

“Let the Attorney General's Office decide,” he answered to conclude the subject.

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Sinaloa Governor Rocha Reports 10 Killed in the Past Week Related to Aftermath of "El Mayo" Kidnapping

 "Socalj" for Borderland Beat

During the "Semanera" conference on Monday, August 19, the Governor of Sinaloa was questioned about the homicides reported in Sinaloa during the past weekend, as there were reports about the death of Martín García Corrales, "El Tano," while days before the body of Juan Carlos "El Vampi" was also found, both linked to El Mayo Zambada. 

“Regarding the issue of the murders that occurred last week, yesterday [Sunday] there were two, on Saturday there were six and on Friday there were four. These six and these four do have to do with relations with organized crime organizations." Governor Ruben Rocha pointed out that there are a couple of additional deaths unrelated to organized crime beyond the 10 recorded by authorities and linked to drug trafficking by personnel from SEDENA who monitors murders linked to drug trafficking.

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El Mayo's Bodyguard Chief Security Had 24 Years In Sinaloa's Prosecutor's Office, Revealed; FGR Went To Do Diligences

 "Char" for Borderland Beat

This article was translated and reposted from ZETA TIJUANA 

WRITTEN BY: CARLOS ALVAREZ ACEVEDO 

AUGUST 17, 2024

Jose Rosario Heras Lopez, who Sinaloa drug lord Ismael Mario Zambada Garcia, alias “El Mayo” - 76 years old - claimed to be his chief of escorts or security - who was present when he was allegedly deprived of his freedom, on July 25, 2024, in Culiacan de Rosales, is currently an “Investigation Agent” of the Ministerial Police, of the Attorney General's Office (FGE) of Sinaloa, with 24 years of service, in said institution of law enforcement.

This was revealed on August 17, 2024, by the newspaper Reforma, which indicated that it obtained a copy of Heras López's police record, in which it was detailed that he joined the Attorney General's Office of Sinaloa on July 6, 2000, as an agent of the Ministerial Police.

At that time, PRI member Juan Sigifrido Millán Lizárraga was governor and the Sinaloa Attorney General's Office depended on the state executive branch. On December 15, 2010, Heras Lopez became an “Investigation Agent” of the Ministerial Police.

Later, Heras Lopez was assigned as commander of the Ministerial Police in the region of El Salado, an area that, according to the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) -- quoted by the same newspaper -- has been the area of influence of “El Mayo.

Jesus Antonio Aguilar Iniguez, then director of the Sinaloa Ministerial Police, was in charge of assigning Heras Lopez to that area. The co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel confirmed, on August 10, 2024, that Joaquín Guzmán López, “El Güero Moreno” - 38 years old - son of Joaquín Archivaldo Guzmán Loera, alias “El Chapo”, ambushed him in Culiacán de Rosales.

El Mayo” was expecting to meet with Ruben Rocha Moya, governor of Sinaloa since November 1, 2021, and with Hector Melesio Cuen Ojeda, a politician assassinated on the day of the arrests of both Sinaloa capos, on Thursday, July 25 of the same year.

“I was accompanied by four security personnel, two of whom stayed outside the perimeter. The two who entered with me were Jose Rosario Heras Lopez, commander of the Sinaloa State Judicial Police, and Rodolfo Chaidez, a longtime member of my security team,” the Sinaloa drug lord said in the letter, released by his lawyer Frank Perez.

According to Reforma, a sister of Heras Lopez reported her brother's disappearance on July 25, 2024, but it was not made public by the Sinaloa State Attorney General's Office until after the Sinaloa drug lord's letter was revealed.

“There is no search card, nor is there an alert. For now, there is only an unpublished photograph in possession of Grupo Reforma, along with his letter of service prepared by the agency where he has worked for 24 years,” added the newspaper.

Heras Lopez is a “police officer who tarnishes the corporation,” emphasized Sara Bruna Quiñonez Estrada - who until the morning of August 16, 2024 was head of the Sinaloa Attorney General's Office - after the revelation of “El Mayo's” missive.

“The plane that took Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada to the US left from a fumigation airstrip near Culiacan. At least, that's what the Attorney General's Office (FGR) believes. The real pilot is Mexican”, this was revealed on Saturday, August 17, 2024, by Mexican-Cuban journalist Peniley Ramirez, in her opinion column ‘Linotipia’, titled ‘The Mexican pilot’ and published in the newspaper Reforma.

“So far, this is indicated by the evidence of the investigation. It flew with radar devices turned off until near El Paso, Texas, it radioed Ciudad Juarez and requested clearance to land. Juarez forwarded the request to El Paso and, before it was cleared, another airport official at the nearby Santa Teresa, New Mexico, airport responded to the plane with cloned U.S. plates that it could land there,” the reporter added.

“Last week, FGR officials went to New Mexico to carry out an errand there. The matter was not a minor one, because it is not common for Mexican agents to be able to carry out an errand in another country. And it was rather a fiasco,” the journalist wrote.

“The Mexican officials were not given videos of the airport, they were shown some objects that 'El Mayo' and Joaquín Guzmán used on the flight, but they were not allowed to process the fingerprints on those objects. When they were able to see the plane's serial number, they realized it was different from the one the U.S. government had reported a few days after the capture,” Ramirez said.

SOURCE: ZETA TIJUANA 

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