Mexican governor U.S. accused of drug trafficking quickly resigns after short return to office

Sinaloa Gov. Ruben Rocha Moya abruptly stepped down Saturday, less than a day after announcing his return to office, as he faced U.S. drug trafficking charges and an extradition request.

Rocha had resumed his duties Friday after taking leave in May while Mexican prosecutors investigated allegations against him.

However, on Saturday, he asked the state legislature to approve an indefinite temporary leave lasting more than 30 days.

The 77-year-old governor, a member of Mexico's ruling Morena party, had insisted just a day earlier that he had committed no crime and was returning with a “clear conscience and head held high.”

His return drew a sharp public response from Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who said in a social media post that personal interests could never take precedence over the interests of Mexico and its people, without directly naming Rocha.

“Power without principles becomes arrogance; power without limits, abuse,” Sheinbaum wrote, according to the Associated Press.