Sinaloa Senator Enrique Inzunza Cazárez, a high-ranking member of Mexico’s ruling socialist Morena party, has been ARRESTED in San Diego after turning himself in to U.S. federal authorities.
The cartel-connected politician, 53, was taken into custody by the Drug Enforcement Administration on charges of narcotics importation conspiracy, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess the same, according to multiple Mexican news outlets and U.S. court documents.
Inzunza Cazárez was one of 10 current and former Sinaloa officials hit with a massive federal indictment unsealed by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of New York back on April 29.
US prosecutors allege the defendants conspired with the Sinaloa cartel to import narcotics into the United States in exchange for political support and bribes.
“The Sinaloa Cartel is a ruthless criminal organization that has flooded this community with dangerous drugs for decades,” said U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton.
“As the indictment lays bare, the Sinaloa Cartel, and other drug trafficking organizations like it, would not operate as freely or successfully without corrupt politicians and law enforcement officials on their payroll. The support of corrupt foreign officials for deadly trafficking of drugs must end. Let these charges send a clear message to all officials around the globe who work with narco-traffickers: no matter your title or position, we are committed to bringing you to justice.”