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Ex-Sinaloa Security Chief Arrested for $100K/month Cartel Bribes

5/16/2026

50 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Former Sinaloa public security secretary Gerardo Merida Sanchez allegedly received over $100,000 monthly in cash from the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
He was arrested in Arizona on May 11 and detained in Brooklyn.
Prosecutors allege he used his office to protect Los Chapitos by directing police to avoid arresting them and target rivals.
President Claudia Sheinbaum says the U.S. indictments lack evidence and are politically motivated.

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Story summary

Former Sinaloa public security secretary Gerardo Merida Sanchez allegedly received over $100,000 monthly in cash from the Los Chapitos faction of the Sinaloa Cartel.
He was arrested in Arizona on May 11 and detained in Brooklyn.
Prosecutors allege he used his office to protect Los Chapitos by directing police to avoid arresting them and target rivals.
President Claudia Sheinbaum says the U.S. indictments lack evidence and are politically motivated.