Mexican Cartel Leader Arrested in U.S. Drug Raid

Gerardo Mérida Sánchez, 66, arrested in Arizona and appearing in Manhattan federal court for narcotics and weapons charges.
Prosecutors allege Mérida Sánchez accepted $100k monthly cash bribes from 'Los Chapitos' and warned Sinaloa Cartel about 10 drug raids in 2023.
Mérida Sánchez is first of 10 Sinaloa officials charged by United States; others including Governor Rubén Rocha Moya have taken leave.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum says accused officials should face trial in Mexico if evidence is irrefutable, emphasizing dignity of Mexican people.
Mérida Sánchez faces up to 40 years in prison and returns to court on June 1, following convictions of El Chapo and El Mayo.
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