La Familia

La Familia is a term often used to refer to a family in Spanish-speaking cultures. However, in the context of organized crime, La Familia can refer to a Mexican drug cartel known as La Familia Michoacana. This article will focus on the latter interpretation of the term.

History

La Familia Michoacana was founded in the 1980s by Carlos Rosales Mendoza, a close associate of Osiel Cárdenas Guillén. The group was initially a small-time marijuana trafficking ring, but it quickly expanded into methamphetamine production and distribution under the leadership of Nazario Moreno González, also known as "El Más Loco" (The Craziest).

Activities

La Familia is known for its violent tactics, which include beheadings, kidnappings, and public displays of violence to intimidate rivals and law enforcement. The group is also involved in a variety of other criminal activities, including extortion, human trafficking, and corruption of public officials.

Structure

The structure of La Familia is somewhat unique among Mexican drug cartels. The group is organized along familial lines, with a strong emphasis on loyalty and kinship. This structure has allowed the group to maintain a high degree of cohesion and discipline, despite the intense pressure from both Mexican and U.S. law enforcement.

Current Status

In recent years, La Familia has been significantly weakened by the arrests and deaths of several key leaders. However, the group remains active and continues to pose a significant threat to public safety in Mexico and the United States.

See Also

• Mexican Drug War
• Narcoculture in Mexico
• List of Mexico's 37 most-wanted drug lords

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