This was the time when Rubén Rocha Moya confessed that he would not refuse to speak with El Mayo Zambada or Los Chapitos

Rubén Rocha Moya had a controversial interview in 2021. (Anayeli Tapia/Infobae)

On April 22, 2021, as part of his electoral campaign for the governorship of Sinaloa, Ruben Rocha Moyathen Morena candidate, gave an interview to the journalist Carlos Loret de Mola to Latinwhich unleashed a wave of reactions and debates in the political and social sphere. These statements have taken flight again amid the accusations made by the drug trafficker Ismael El Mayo Zambadawho has assured that, before being “kidnapped,” he was going to meet with the Morena leader.

During the conversation, Rocha Moya surprised many by expressing his willingness to dialogue with drug trafficking leaders, including Ismael El Mayo Zambada and the sons of Joaquin El Chapo Guzmanknown as The Chapitos. This stance, considered risky by some, was presented by Rocha as a possible way to address the violence that has plagued Sinaloa.

The interview began with a direct question from Loret de Mola about whether it was possible to govern Sinaloa without reaching an agreement with drug trafficking. Rocha responded that he did not consider a formal “pact” necessary, but rather the possibility of “coordinating” to find solutions to the violence affecting society, suggesting that the traditional approach has failed and that new strategies should be explored.

Rubén Rocha Moya is in the spotlight after the confessions of Mayo Zambada. (Anayeli Tapia/Infobae)

Rocha Moya proposed the idea of ​​a State policy that, unlike individual or informal agreements, would be respected and supported by a legal framework. According to him, it would be essential to design a strategy that considers the reality of the drug trafficking in the country and to avoid falling into what he called “political hypocrisy.”

“We have to find a way to do it. Governments in general deny any approach or conversation with criminals. However, there is one thing: contacts are made by government officials with drug trafficking, with criminals. In this sense, we have to design a State policy that is not made by government officials, but rather by a State policy that is respected and that reflects the laws,” he said.

When Loret de Mola asked him if he would be willing to sit down and talk with El Mayo Zambada or The ChapitosRocha Moya did not hesitate to say: “I have no negative response from now on.” He added that he had “no ties or cobwebs” and that although he is originally from Badiraguato He is neither a boss nor a drug trafficker.

He then assured that he has always advocated for legalize marijuana and soft drugs“We have to explore new things and we have to get rid of the hypocrisy of ‘no, I can’t get close’ from our faces and heads. I think we have to be a little more open and of course not fall into corruption,” he said.

In addition, Rocha considered that the confrontation between rival cartels, such as the Sinaloa Cartel and the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG)is a reality that cannot be ignored. He admitted that “everything must be feared”, acknowledging that fights between criminal groups can lead to violent and chaotic situations. However, he defended himself by declaring that his main objective would be to work for the security and well-being of the population, assuring that, if elected governor, he would not distance himself from the fight against crime. corruption and drug trafficking.

Ruben Rocha Moya has denied any connection with El Mayo Zambada. (X/Rocha Moya)

When asked if acting in this way would be breaking the law, Rocha Moya replied that the law is only broken when official relations and agreements are made, and he therefore called for the law to be reviewed.

Finally, when asked if his hands were clean, he said “absolutely” and indicated that when it is pointed out and proven that he has committed illegal acts, he himself will recognize that he has no moral authority, however, he specified: “I have the authority to get involved in resolving the issue of corruption head on and helping the families that need it most.”

Ismael El Mayo Zambada, one of the leaders of the Sinaloa Cartel, was admitted to the United States “against his will,” he said in a statement. his first statement since he was arrested on July 25. He reported that he was kidnapped by El Chapo’s son, Joaquín Guzmán López, while he was heading to a meeting with the governor of the Mexican state of Sinaloa.

In a statementZambada, 76, said that Guzmán López forcibly took him to El Paso, Texas, aboard a private flight, accompanied by a pilot. He explained that his childhood acquaintance, Guzmán López, asked him to attend a meeting to resolve conflicts between the political leaders from Sinaloa.

The recent statements of Mayo Zambada have shaken Mexican politics. (CUARTOSCURO/FB: Héctor Melesio Cuén)

The intended meeting was focused on the dispute between Rubén Rocha Moya, current governor of Sinaloa, and Hector Melesio Cuen Ojedaformer mayor of Culiacán, for control of the Autonomous University of Sinaloa (UAS), of which both were rectors at different times. In addition, it would be Ivan Archivaldo Guzman Salazarcurrent leader of Los Chapitos.

In response to the accusations, Rocha Moya has categorically denied any involvement with organised crime and said that he and his family were abroad that day.

“I want to tell you that I was not in Sinaloa that day. During the day and night they kept me informed. I returned to Mexican territory the next day very early,” said the president during the inauguration of a hospital in Culiacán on August 10. He confirmed that he had traveled to Los Angeles, California, with his children and other relatives, on a private plane lent to them by the businessman Jesus Vizcarra.

The Mexican government said El Mayo Zambada and Joaquín Guzmán López landed at the airport in Santa Teresa, New Mexico, and were later arrested in Texas. The flight they boarded was private, although its point of departure is still unknown.

This Monday Rocha Moya also claimed to be unaware of the activities of Jose Rosario Heras Lopez, Commander of the State Investigative Police, who according to a letter released by Zambada’s defense was part of his personal guard and was at the July 25 meeting.