ABSTRACT
Michoacán, Mexico has long been an established home for drug production and gangs. This area is subjected to impoverished farmers who cultivate marijuana and opium poppy. Many groups have reigned their power over the insecure territories in Mexico, the most powerful being the Michoacán family. In the 1990s, a criminal-based organization known as El Milenio controlled the Michoacán area. They flourished by growing cannabis and opium poppy in Michoacán and then selling it to larger cartels. El Milenio ruled the area for some time until a small group of lieutenants reached out to the Gulf Cartel to overthrow their leaders. The Michoacán family began to control the areas of Michoacán with similar tactics from the Zetas. The underlying influence of the Zetas was visible upon the actions and beliefs of the family. The Familia Michoacana was proudly regionalist. They claimed to have won over the public in Western Michoacán. Regional loyalties were sought because of several social projects.
