Controversy Erupts from DEA Chief’s Comments on Mexican Officials
The head of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has stirred up controversy in Mexico by alleging that “high-level officials” within the government are collaborating with terrorist organizations, including the Cartel Jalisco New Generation (CJNG) and the Sinaloa Cartel.
During a recent interview with Univision, DEA Director Terrence Cole discussed the latest indictment against CJNG, indicating that these officials are directly involved with drug cartels. He emphasized that the U.S. is prepared to take action against these individuals. Cole also mentioned working closely with Mexico’s security chief, Omar Garcia Harfuch.
This news comes at a particularly tense moment, as Sinaloa’s Governor Ruben Rocha Moya recently announced his return after stepping down months earlier due to a criminal indictment regarding drug trafficking and weapons charges from the U.S. Department of Justice. After declaring his intention to resume office, Rocha Moya quickly took an indefinite leave. He asserted that he was trying to clear his name through discussions with Mexico’s Attorney General’s Office. However, this caused discord within Mexico’s ruling party, MORENA, which distanced itself from him, suggesting that he prioritized personal interests over those of the party. Notably, President Claudia Sheinbaum, who had initially defended Rocha Moya, also turned against him, publicly contesting the DOJ’s motivations.
Barely days after this incident, Andres Manuel Lopez Beltran, the son of Mexico’s former president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, revealed that his U.S. visa had been revoked. No specific reason was given by the U.S. Department of State, though Secretary Marco Rubio had earlier noted multiple visa revocations linked to CJNG.
While Lopez Beltran has not faced formal criminal charges, his name has surfaced in various reports, particularly in relation to fuel smuggling operations tied to CJNG, which allegedly involve high-ranking navy officials from Mexico.
