**Mexican authorities have released the mother of a man alleged to be a leader of one of the country’s most violent drug gangs, known as The Family.**Maria Teresa Martinez was arrested on Monday as part of a policy of targeting relatives of suspected traffickers.
But she was released after prosecutors said they had found no evidence she had committed criminal acts.
The Family was blamed for a series of bloody attacks on police in July after the arrest of one of its members.
Maria Teresa Martinez’s son, Servando “La Tuta” Gomez, is understood to be the revered, and feared, leader of La Familia.
The drug gang, based in the western state of Michaocan, is currently firmly in the sights of the Mexican government.
See the Mexican cartels’ main areas of influence](http://www.paklinks.com/gs/#map)
It was behind a co-ordinated attack on the country’s security forces last month, which culminated in the dumping of 12 mutilated, tortured bodies of police officers on a roadside.
A few days later, a man claiming to be Servando Gomez rang a local television station offering a truce with President Felipe Calderon, but saying that the police would face the consequences if his relatives continued to be treated as accomplices.
The arrest of Maria Teresa Martinez would appear at least partly designed to give the message that the government is not intimidated by threats, says the BBC’s Stephen Gibbs in Mexico City.
LA FAMILIA
- Previously believed to answer to Gulf Cartel, listed as separate group in March 2009 government report
- Combines code of violence with idea of protecting people in Michoacan from outsiders
- Also involved in counterfeiting, extortion, kidnapping, armed robbery, prostitution, protection rackets
She was detained along with several other people, including another of her sons. They are still understood to be in custody.
Mr Calderon himself has repeatedly said that those with any links to organised crime will have nowhere to hide under his watch.
But human rights groups in Mexico say the policy of making highly publicised arrests of people who often turn out to be innocent is an ineffective strategy, and of questionable legality.
Michoacan, Mr Calderon’s home state, has seen a surge in violence in recent weeks linked to the drug cartels.
La Familia has extensive power in Michoacan, where it has infiltrated the police and the local political system, correspondents say.
Since December 2006, more than 45,000 troops and tens of thousands of police have been deployed to tackle Mexican drug gangs.
More than 11,000 people have been killed in drug-related violence in that time.
Return to top](http://www.paklinks.com/gs/#top)
Do you live in any of the areas in Mexico affected by drug-related violence How has your area been affected Send us your comments using the form below.