A former Mexican public security chief, Genaro Garcia Luna, is facing sentencing in a US court for accepting bribes to assist drug traffickers. The sentencing comes after his conviction on charges of conspiring with Mexico’s Sinaloa cartel to protect their drug trafficking activities.
Prosecutors claim that Garcia Luna allowed over one million kilograms of cocaine to be smuggled into the US, resulting in the deaths of thousands of people. Despite denying the allegations, his lawyers argue that the charges are fabricated by criminals seeking leniency.
Garcia Luna, known as Mexico’s ‘Super-cop’, served as the country’s top security official under President Felipe Calderon’s administration. His role in Calderon’s war on cartels earned him praise and alliances with US officials including Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton.
Testimonies during Garcia Luna’s trial revealed shocking details of corruption, violence, and luxury lifestyles funded by drug money. Prosecutors are pushing for a life sentence, while his defense hopes for a maximum of 20 years in prison.
The case has sparked political controversies, with implications on both sides of the border as authorities question the involvement of US officials during Garcia Luna’s tenure.