Former Sinaloa police director denies having surrendered to the US after a series of rumors
Marco Antonio Almanza is accused of facilitating the transfer of drugs and acting against rival groups, in addition to receiving alleged bribes in exchange for protection
The former head of the Investigative Police of the Attorney General's Office of the State of Sinaloa, Marco Antonio Almanza Avilés, released a video in which he denied rumors about an alleged surrender to United States authorities.
Previously, various Mexican media reported the alleged surrender of the former police commander during the last hours, pointing out that Almanza is part of the group of former public servants accused by US authorities of providing institutional protection to members of the criminal organization headed by the children of Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán.
"Good morning, good morning, happy Saturday. Here we are at the botanist doing a little exercise," he is heard saying in a video, in which the former official identifies himself as originally from Culiacán and rejects the versions spread in the media.
"I was the object of a lot of discredit. On Tuesday I made statements to the media, with which I remain firm, but with the discrediting that other media have been giving me, I do not agree. I invite you to tell the truth, that is what the media are for. Happy Saturday!", he added.
According to US allegations, Almanza Avilés is being investigated for allegedly using his position within the Investigative Police to favor the operations of Los Chapitos, facilitate the transfer of drugs and act against rival groups, in addition to receiving alleged bribes in exchange for protection.
Almanza directed the Sinaloa Investigative Police between 2017 and 2022 and his name appeared among the officials mentioned in the investigations opened by US authorities against a network of alleged collaboration between members of the Sinaloa government and the criminal group.
The case occurs amid growing judicial pressure from the United States on current and former Sinaloa officials accused of alleged ties to the Sinaloa Cartel.
In recent weeks, several of those involved have appeared before the Attorney General's Office (FGR), while others have chosen to surrender to US justice to face the accusations against them.