DEA chief alleges Mexican senior officials collude directly with CJNG and Sinaloa cartels

DEA Director Terrence Cole told Univision that senior Mexican officials are working directly with violent drug groups, specifically naming the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the Sinaloa Cartel, and announced that the United States will pursue those officials. Cole also pointed to close cooperation with Mexico’s security chief Omar Garcia Harfuch. His statements arrived as Mexico faces internal political strife: Governor Ruben Rocha Moya announced a return to his post after a criminal indictment, only to take indefinite leave a day later, prompting a split within the ruling MORENA party that includes President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The controversy follows the recent revocation of a U.S. visa for Andres Manuel Lopez Beltran, son of former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, and prior DOJ actions against cartel members. Reports also link Lopez Beltran to alleged fuel-smuggling operations involving high-level navy officials. These allegations heighten scrutiny of possible corruption and cooperation between Mexican authorities and cartels, raising concerns for bilateral security efforts.