QUEEN OF PACIFIC FREE AFTER SERVING 7 YEARS

By Catherine E. Shoichet

 CNN
In Mexico's male-dominated drug trade, her life story became a legend.

Now, after more than seven years behind bars, the woman known as "The Queen of the Pacific" is free. A judge ruled in favor of her appeal last week, Mexico's Attorney General's Office said in a statement Saturday.

Sandra Ávila Beltrán's story is the subject of a best-selling book and a popular ballad.

She was first arrested in Mexico City on September 28, 2007, smiling before cameras as authorities trumpeted her detention.

Later, Ávila made headlines when Mexican authorities said they were investigating a tip that she had received Botox treatments in prison.

Ávila is the niece of Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, founder of the now-defunct Guadalajara cartel. She's also related to drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, who was released from a Mexican prison in a controversial 2013 decision and now has a $5 million State Department bounty on his head.
Mexico's case against her drew widespread attention as it made its way through the nation's courts. She was absolved of a money laundering charge in her first trial.

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