Governor's Alibi in Sinaloa Scandal

Tensions escalated last Saturday when the lawyer for notorious drug lord El Mayo released a letter claiming he was ambushed and kidnapped, taken to the U.S. against his will after being summoned to a meeting with prominent figures, including Rocha, Cuén, and the sons of “El Chapo” Guzmán. In response, the Sinaloa state governor denied attending any private meetings, asserting he was on a family trip to Los Angeles at the time of the alleged incident. El Mayo characterized Cuén as a “longtime friend” and suggested that a commander from the state Judicial Police was among his bodyguards, positioning himself as a key player in Sinaloa’s public affairs. President López Obrador commented on the situation, stating he was unaware of the meeting and emphasizing that the governor had no reason to be involved. The governor confirmed he was out of the state but did not disclose his location, indicating he returned to Mexico early to address the unfolding issues. The Sinaloa Attorney General’s Office held a press conference revealing video footage of the attack on Cuén, which is central to their investigation. The footage, captured at a gas station in Culiacán, contradicts El Mayo’s timeline of events, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding Cuén's murder. Authorities have stated that all hypotheses, including El Mayo's claims, remain under consideration. As the investigation unfolds, the governor reiterated his willingness to cooperate with both Mexican and U.S. authorities if needed. Meanwhile, the scandal deepens with the indictment of Héctor Cuén Díaz, the son of the deceased politician, for illegal negotiations at the UAS.