Voodoo Cops
Mexican authorities have turned to Haitian voodoo rituals as they attempt to win the violent war against the country’s ruthless drug gangs holding the country to ransom.
Cops in Tijuana, a city just south of the US/Mexican border near San Diego, have resorted to the use of voodoo, which include animal sacrifice and spirit tattoos amid claims they are “running scared” of the savage trafficking gangs.
During the rituals, priests slaughter chickens on full moon nights on beaches and smear police officers with the blood while using prayers to evoke spirits to help protect them from drug cartels battling over smuggling routes into California.
Mexico has been gripped by a wave of drug-related violence since Felipe Calderón, the Mexican President, declared war on the drug cartels almost four years ago. The country's drug barons have engaged in an increasingly bloody battle as they vie to demonstrate their power and ruthlessness.
They have infiltrated local forces – bribing corrupt police and civil officials – while hit men armed with automatic rifles, grenades and rocket launchers are regularly seen paying visits to those who refuse to engage with the gangs.
The raging war has left many police in cities including Tijuana, considered one of the country’s deadliest, in fear of their lives with many told they will get a bullet if they say no to requests.
More than 150 police officers have died throughout the area over the past few years.
As a result officers have attended the secret meetings that are said to draw on elements of Haitian Voodoo, Cuban Santeria and Mexican witchcraft.
“We know some agents use charms, saints and other methods for their protection," said Elias Alvarez, the Baja California federal Police Chief.
"They look for something to believe in."
Posted on Mon 5th Jul 2010 13:13:00