It was also reported that two of Lopez Obrador's aides accepted $4 million ($6.1 million) in exchange for the release of the leader of the rival Zetas cartel after he won office.
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The Mexican president, who is serving the final months of his term and is constitutionally barred from running for re-election, denied all the allegations made by informants.
But Xochitl Galvez, candidate of the center-right opposition Broad Front party, called for an official investigation into Lopez Obrador over these accusations in order to “know…the extent of corruption in his government.”
“No one is above the law,” she added.
The allegations are not the first time the 70-year-old left-wing populist has been linked to drug traffickers, who have long tried to infiltrate the Mexican state.
A separate investigation conducted by the Drug Enforcement Administration more than a decade ago, and first reported by media last month, revealed allegations that a powerful cartel leader known as “Barbie” donated nearly $2 million ($3 million) in cash for the first time under Lopez Obrador. , the failed presidential campaign of 2006.
The investigation was eventually closed without charges being filed.
Lopez Obrador's attack on times He repeated his previous verbal attacks on journalists, including revealing private information about them.
The newspaper criticized his move on social media.
“This is a disturbing and unacceptable tactic from a world leader at a time when threats against journalists are increasing,” the media said.
Experts warned about his reaction to The New York Times' The reporting would increase the risks faced by media workers in a country where more than 160 people have been killed since 2000, according to local freedom of expression group Article 19.
“López Obrador unnecessarily and willingly exposed a reporter to an increased risk of threats and harassment in what remains the most dangerous country for journalists in the Western Hemisphere,” said Jean-Albert Hotsen, Mexico coordinator for the Committee to Protect Journalists. .
He added: “It is of deep concern to us that he believes he is above the law and is completely unrepentant when challenged.”
Lopez Obrador's stance toward drug cartels has long worried the United States.
His 2018 campaign slogan was “Hugs, Not Bullets” as he pledged to quell drug violence by ordering security forces to avoid shootouts with gangs.
Any DEA investigation into senior figures in the Mexican government would require high-level approval in Washington, including, perhaps, from Joe Biden.
However, the White House has carefully tried to avoid antagonizing Mexico in recent years, whose cooperation it needs to address immigration and the flow of cocaine and fentanyl into the United States.
The Telegraph, London
