Mexico City: Skulls and Bones Discovered in Teddy Bears being Shipped to the U.S.

6/24/2014
Borderland Beat

The Attorney General of the Federal District (PGJDF) stated a man was arrested who is identified  as Fidel Aparicio Ramirez, as he attempted to  send abroad two human skulls and bones concealed in teddy bears.  The skulls were purchased by a U.S. subject engaged in Santeria.

Attorney Venustiano Carranza, Cesar Barrera Galán, said at a news conference that the investigation in coordination with federal authorities, began from the discovery being made ​​by staff at a parcel delivery company at the Mexico City Airport on June 7th.  

Through X Ray inspections employees detected objects inside two teddy bears , so they requested the intervention of the Federal Police .  

"In the Company of the Public Prosecutor's Office was found two skulls and various bones" said the prosecutor. From information on the package label,  agents located the telephone number of a man identified as "Mario" who said he was selling medicinal herbs and bones on a semi-fixed Sonora market stall in Mexico City,  called The Sonora Market.

"This person admitted having acquired human bones, he stated they are in demand by people in the U.S.  dedicated to Santeria.  He sold them  to a stranger for transfer abroad, "stated the prosecutor.  

The detainee will  be prosecuted for crimes against public health in the form of marketing and attempting to export  human remains out of the country without permission.  He is being held in Mexico City

Authorities said the bones were recently exhumed. 

Although authorities would not say where in the U.S. the package was being shipped, Santeria has its greatest number of followers in Florida followed by California. 

Source:Zocalo