A renowned jockey from Mendoza, Cristian López, who recently won the Gran Premio Vendimia de Turf 2025, was arrested on charges of drug trafficking in the Gran Mendoza region and in Valle de Uco. The capture took place two days after his victory in the mentioned competition.
According to the provincial police, last Tuesday, personnel from the Narcotics Enforcement Headquarters carried out a raid that resulted in the arrests of López and his alleged accomplice, José Ruiz, during a supposed cocaine transaction in Luján de Cuyo.
Additionally, new operations were conducted at the Mendoza Racetrack, in the 4 de Julio neighborhood and in Tunuyán as part of the investigation. In these raids, several relevant items were seized, including vehicles, drugs, a firearm, cell phones, cash, and documentation.
The case has been handed over to Federal Court No. 3 in Mendoza, headed by Judge Marcelo Garnica. López's arrest has caused surprise in the turf world due to the athlete's recent achievement in the aforementioned competition.
