Former Sinaloa Cartel Lieutenant Alleges Personal Payments to Mexican President López Obrador During 2006 Campaign
Sergio Villarreal Barragán, known as 'El Grande,' a former lieutenant for the Beltrán Leyva cartel, has claimed he personally met with and delivered cash to Andrés Manuel López Obrador during his 2006 presidential campaign. This revelation is detailed in journalist Anabel Hernández's new book, 'Narcocracia,' set to be released on August 24. Villarreal, a key witness in the trial against former Mexican Secretary of Public Security Genaro García Luna, stated that López Obrador promised to prevent DEA interference in Mexico, avoid combating the Sinaloa Cartel, and allow its operations to continue freely in exchange for the cartel's financial support. According to Villarreal, López Obrador also committed to focusing solely on aiding the poor and confronting the wealthy. Villarreal recounted a radio conversation during the 2006 meeting where López Obrador allegedly spoke with Arturo Beltrán Leyva, who offered the cartel's services on behalf of himself, Ismael 'El Mayo' Zambada, and Joaquín 'El Chapo' Guzmán. Ló...