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Gruesome dried llama foetuses destined for shamanic fertility rituals have been seized by horrified customs officials.
Dozens of the fully developed unborn bodies with teeth and full fleeces had been packed with grimly preserved llama legs and feet.
The macabre haul was confiscated by Brazilian customs officials at a port in Corumba, on the Paraguay River border with Bolivia.
Shocking evidence photos show cardboard boxes and suitcases crammed with rows of unborn baby llamas seized from ships in two raids, say local media reports on 27th July.
Experts say the foetuses were trafficked from El Alto on the other side of the river to be used in traditional Andean spiritual rituals.
On 1st August believers burn or bury the llama foetuses as a sacrifice to Pachamama, the ancient Andean fertility goddess.
Followers believe the grim tribute will make the land more prosperous and cause families to prosper.
But customs officials from the Federal Revenue Service say the shipments were a serious public health threat.
They say the remains could carry diseases like TB, which can be transmitted from animals to humans.
Agricultural inspector Carlos Raulini explained: "These are items of animal origin that did not pass through any kind of sanitary inspection and may contain bacteria or parasites dangerous to human and animal health."
In Bolivia the sacrificial use of llama foetuses is widespread and they are openly sold at markets.
But importing them into Brazil without proper documentation is strictly prohibited.
Police and customs officials are trying to track down the traffickers.
(MJ Leidig / newsX)
Byline Journalist: MJ Leidig
Byline Sub editor: Simona Kitanovska
Byline Spotter: Ivica Stojanovski
Byline Commisioning Editor: Mike Leidig
Byline Senior Writer: MJ Leidig
Byline Picture Editor: Zorica Stojkovik
Byline Copychecker: Marija Stojkoska
Byline Illustrator: Marija Stojkoska
Byline News Editor: Clive Goodman
Geography: Corumbá
Subject: Animals, Legal, Crime, Religion
T4 Editor Story Rating: 6
T4 Editor Pic/Vid rating: 7
T4 Total rating: 6.5
