Sheinbaum rejects DEA director's 'political' claim of government-cartel ties

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has rejected recent remarks by DEA Administrator Terry Cole as "political" and baseless, after Cole alleged a "lethal connection" between Mexico's government and drug cartels. She demanded respect for Mexico and urged the DEA to prioritize domestic drug issues. Source: Milenio, Heraldo, La Jornada, CNN

The accusations

During a Florida summit on fentanyl, Cole stated that the DEA's top priority includes "the lethal connection between the cartel networks and the Mexican government. They are the same." Source: CNN Sheinbaum responded at her daily press conference, saying the claim has "no foundation" and is a political statement. Source: La Jornada She also argued that a government linked to organized crime could not achieve a 48% reduction in homicides, as Mexico has reported. Source: Heraldo

Counter-accusations

Sheinbaum turned the spotlight on the DEA, pointing to methamphetamine production within the United States and the world's largest drug market there. "Who sells it? How do they distribute it? How do they launder money? That is something the DEA should be investigating," she said. Source: Milenio She also cited recent cases of DEA agents linked to drug trafficking, including a former DEA chief in Mexico removed for ties to cartel lawyers. Source: CNN The Mexican security cabinet separately rejected Cole's remarks, noting over 80 public officials have been arrested under Sheinbaum's administration. Source: CNN