Sinaloa, MEXICO - Every year at this time in May, hundreds of believers flock to a shrine in Mexico to celebrate a controversial figure not recognized by the Catholic Church.

People travel to Sinaloa in Mexico to pay homage, pray and seek protection from Jesús Malverde, also known as the "Narco Saint." Malverde is known to be celebrated by drug traffickers.

According to legend and folk song, Malverde helped the poor by stealing from the rich. Stories vary on what Malverde did for a living, and have included railway worker, construction worker and a tailor. Whatever his profession, at some point during his career he turned to crime.

In 1909, the folk hero was captured and hung by Mexican authorities. However, some even dispute that and claim he was shot.

Now, donations made to a shrine dedicated to Malverde are used to help the poor.

One traveling musician, who played music at the shrine over the weekend, said his visit helped heal his granddaughter, who a few months ago was very sick.

One man, who called himself a businessman from Jalisco, proudly showed off his tattoo of the so-called "Narco Saint." The colorful tattoo was drawn onto the front of his left thigh.

While Malverde's so-called powers are believed by faithful followers, the Catholic Church has rejected the folk hero as a saint.

Meanwhile, keeping track of those who do believe remains hard according to the man who runs the shrine. He said while he wanted to put a guest book out front, he said visitors told him they did not want to sign their name.

But while controversy surround Malverde, there appears to be a growing group of believers that come from both sides of the law.