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The President of Mexico has rejected US allegations that Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro has ties to the powerful Sinaloa Cartel, insisting her government has no evidence to support such claims.

Some shit you should know before you read: For years, the United States has maintained that Nicolás Maduro is one of the world’s largest narco-traffickers, with ties to the so-called “Cartel of the Suns,” a Venezuelan criminal network embedded within the country’s military and political elite. According to US officials, the Cartel of the Suns operates by exploiting state resources and security forces to protect and facilitate massive cocaine shipments, often in coordination with groups like Tren de Aragua and Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel. Intelligence reports allege that senior Venezuelan military officers (who wear insignias featuring sun emblems) oversee smuggling routes, safeguard laboratories, and ensure drug loads pass unimpeded through ports and airstrips.

What’s going on now: In a notable development, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum dismissed US accusations linking Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to the Sinaloa Cartel, stating, “This is the first time we’ve heard about this issue. There is no investigation from Mexico related to it.” She reiterated her position during a Friday morning press conference, adding, “As we always say, if they have some evidence, show it. We do not have any proof.”

Her comments came one day after the United States significantly increased its financial incentive for information leading to Maduro’s capture. US Attorney General Pam Bondi announced that the reward had been doubled to $50 million, calling Maduro “one of the largest narco-traffickers in the world and a threat to our national security.”

Venezuela has since responded to the increased bounty. In a statement, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said the announcement by the US was “pathetic.” He added, “this is the most ridiculous smoke screen we have ever seen.”