Lopez Obrador criticizes DEA role in Mexico after ex-army chief's arrest

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador described Thursday's arrest of ex-Defense Minister Salvador Cienfuegos as evidence of rampant corruption in past governments. But it also dealt a heavy blow to a powerful institution he relies on.

Speaking in the southern state of Oaxaca on Saturday, Lopez Obrador said the DEA had for years dealt with Cienfuegos and Genaro Garcia Luna, Mexico's security minister from 2006-12 who has also been charged in the United States with drug trafficking offenses. During that time, he noted, U.S. and Mexican officials deliberately allowed arms to be trafficked into Mexico in an attempt to trace them to cartel leaders, leading to many deaths. But only Mexicans were being held accountable, he said.

"Why is it that it's just the people in Mexico who took part in these acts being accused or implicated, and (the DEA) aren't criticizing themselves, reflecting on the meddling by all these agencies in Mexico?" Lopez Obrador said. "They came into the country with complete freedom, they did whatever they wanted." In view of the DEA's involvement, he said, it should give account of what it had done in Mexico.

The DEA did not respond to a request for comment. The arrest of Cienfuegos has raised uncomfortable questions about Lopez Obrador's faith in the armed forces, which he has given responsibility not just for fighting drug gangs, but also for overseeing vital civilian infrastructure.

Cienfuegos was in charge of the army from 2012-18 under former President Enrique Pena Nieto. Lopez Obrador has voiced support for Cienfuegos' successor in the army and his navy counterpart.