Who is Malverde?

Also known as the "Narco Saint," Jesus Malverde is a Mexican folk hero revered as an unofficial saint by both the poor and drug-traffickers in the Mexican state of Sinaloa.

Legend

According to legend, Jesus Malverde was a Robin Hood-style bandit killed in 1909. As author Sam Quinones discovered, there are many versions of the tale, including one that states that a friend betrayed him for 10,000 Pesos. Malverde's self-styled "Apostle" Eligio Gonzalez told Quinones that Malverde was shot in the leg by police and told one of his friends, "Before I die, compadre, take me in for the reward."

Significance

In Sinaloa, residents see Malverde as a folk-saint capable of performing miracles. Botanicas (folk-magic shops) sell idols and other religious items with his image and many residents keep shrines to him in their homes and businesses. Area drug-traffickers consider him their patron; praying to him and leaving offerings at his shrines.

Considerations

According to the "New York Times," the influx of immigrants from Sinaloa brought the legend into the United States. As California restaurant owner Manuel Simental told the "Times," the altar of Malverde near his cash register brings good luck. Because of Malverde's association with drug-traffickers, however, courts in Texas, Kansas, Nebraska and California ruled that trinkets with his image can be used as evidence in cases involving drugs or money-laundering.

References

• Pacific News: Jesus Malverde Saint of Mexico's Drug Dealers May Have Been Bandit Hung in 1909
• The New York Times: Mexican Robin Hood Figure Gains a Kind of Notoriety Abroad