Mexico ex-governor denies fake medicine claims

MEXICO CITY – Mexico has become accustomed to accusations of wrongdoing by former state governors, but the most recent scandal has been especially shocking.

The current governor of the Gulf coast state of Veracruz has accused a predecessor of buying fake medicines for state-run hospitals, claiming an inert substance was administered to children instead of a cancer drug.

On Sunday, former Gov. Fidel Herrera resigned as Mexico’s consul in Barcelona. He said in a Twitter post that, “I am going to confront this slander. It is completely false.”

Herrera was Veracruz governor from 2004 to 2010.

Current Gov. Miguel Angel Yunes said purchases of falsified medications began under Herrera and continued under his successor, Javier Duarte.

Duarte is a fugitive from charges faces charges of money laundering and organized crime.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.