Governor in Mexico resigns after drug charges

TT

Published 18.43

 

Two politicians who are said to be close to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum have been accused by the US of drug crimes. They are both temporarily leaving their posts while a Mexican investigation is underway. Photo: Fernando Llano/AP/TT

A governor and a mayor in Mexico are temporarily resigning after being accused of drug trafficking by the US.

Both belong to President Claudia Sheinbaum's ruling party.

The politically experienced and high-ranking Rubén Rocha Moya was governor of the state of Sinaloa when the news of the US drug charges came as a surprise.

- My conscience is completely clear. To my people: I can look you in the eye, because I have not betrayed you, Moya said in a video recording in which he announced that he would leave office during the process.

Juan de Dios Gámez Mendívil, who is the mayor of Sinaloa's capital Culiacán, is also temporarily leaving his post.

President Sheinbaum said that the two have not been arrested, and that they will not be extradited to face legal proceedings in the United States.