Former Mexican security chief, Genaro García Luna, once seen as a hero in the fight against drug cartels, has been sentenced to over 38 years in a U.S. prison for accepting bribes from drug traffickers. He was found guilty by a New York jury of taking millions of dollars in bribes to protect the violent Sinaloa cartel, which he was supposed to be combating.
García Luna, who led Mexico’s federal police and served as the country’s top security official from 2006 to 2012, was accused of providing intelligence, sabotaging police operations, and aiding in the safe passage of drugs for the cartel. The bribes he received were handed off in various locations, including a “safe house,” a car wash, and a French restaurant near the U.S. Embassy.
Prosecutors argued that García Luna’s actions led to the deaths of thousands of American and Mexican citizens and fueled drug trafficking operations. Despite his denial of the allegations, he was convicted and sentenced to almost 40 years in prison. His lawyers had requested a maximum of 20 years behind bars, but the prosecutors insisted on a life sentence due to the severity of his crimes.
During the trial, it was revealed that García Luna received millions of dollars in bribes from cartel members, including deliveries of cash hidden in suitcases, briefcases, and duffel bags. He was accused of notifying drug traffickers in advance of police raids and ensuring the safe transport of massive amounts of drugs into the United States.
In a plea for leniency, García Luna’s lawyers highlighted the suffering he and his family had endured during his five years in prison, including public attacks, loss of reputation, and personal tragedies. They emphasized his loss of assets, reputation, and the impact on his family due to his imprisonment.
The case has raised questions about the ties between Mexican officials and drug cartels, with President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledging the severity of the situation. U.S. attorney Breon Peace emphasized that García Luna’s sentencing was a crucial step in upholding justice and the rule of law, considering the vast impact of his actions on both countries.
García Luna’s sentence comes shortly after the arrest of Ismael “El Mayo” Zambada, a co-founder of the Sinaloa Cartel, who was taken into U.S. custody on drug trafficking charges. The arrest of high-profile cartel members like Zambada and García Luna marks a significant victory in the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and organized crime in Mexico and the United States.
