New york: Former Sinaloa Security Chief Gerardo Merida Sanchez was arrested in the US on drug trafficking-related charges, Mexican authorities confirmed Friday. The arrest marks a significant development in ongoing efforts to tackle international drug trafficking networks.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Mexican government announced its cooperation with US authorities following the arrest. This cooperation comes after Mexico rejected accusations and extradition requests for 10 Mexican officials accused of links to drug trafficking. A statement from the Mexican government emphasized the importance of maintaining institutional communication with US authorities as part of international cooperation efforts.

Mexico's Security Cabinet provided details of the arrest, confirming that Merida Sanchez was detained by US Marshals in Arizona on May 11. He entered the US through the Nogales border crossing in northwestern Mexico. The charges against him include narcotics importation, possession of machine guns and destructive devices, and conspiracy to possess such weapons.

Merida Sanchez is currently being held in the Southern District of New York. Authorities there are expected to decide on whether he will remain in custody throughout the legal proceedings. The former security chief is one of 10 Mexican nationals sought by the US for extradition, a list that includes Sinaloa Governor Ruben Rocha Moya.

Merida Sanchez served as security chief under Governor Rocha Moya for 15 months before resigning. Rocha Moya is temporarily on leave while Mexican prosecutors investigate allegations linked to his administration and the US extradition request against him. The former military official was appointed security secretary in September 2023 and resigned in December 2024 amid rising violence due to infighting among factions of the Sinaloa Cartel.