The La Familia drug cartel has said it will cease all criminal activity during the month of January in Michoacan to in a public-relations tactic to they say prove violence in the region is fueled by media reports rather then their operations, reports the Associated Press.
The cartel issued a public letter proclaiming the truce, yet law enforcement officials have not confirmed its authenticity. The La Familia cartel, which is known primarily for its cult-like rituals and meth-production operation, claims any past violence in the region was due to "attempts to protect the state from rival drug gangs."
In November, the cartel sent a letter in which it offered to disband.
The cartel has reportedly weakened and splintered into several smaller groups due to a string of recent victories by police, including the killing of leader Nazario Moreno on Dec. 10.
