Posted on 03/11/2010 2:13:15 PM PST by JoeProBono
MIAMI, - Authorities in Florida said they are investigating the alleged illegal importing of giant African snails for use in a religious healing ritual.
A search warrant filed in Miami-Dade Circuit Court said state and federal investigators raided the home of Charles Stewart, 48, in January after receiving information that he was keeping a large box full of the snails, which are only allowed in the United States with special permits for scientific research, the Miami Herald reported Thursday.
Federal authorities said they began investigating Stewart in November after receiving complaints that he was feeding the juices from the snails to followers as part of a religious "healing" ceremony. The warrant said the practice "is not an accepted practice of the Santeria religion" and the snail mucus made worshippers ill.
However, Stewart, who has not been charged, said he practices the African religion of Ifa Orisha, which is often confused with Santeria.
"I did not invent this. It's something that is part of our religion," he said. "It's not something meant to hurt anybody.
"What I practice is somewhat different, and that's what caused the backlash against me," Stewart said.
The investigation is ongoing.
Chief Bolu was born to a Babalawo, traditional healer, to spread the word of Ifa Orisha
I’ll bet this “healer” sucks their wallets pretty good too! lol
Why are these disgusting people IN OUR COUNTRY IN THE FIRST PLACE? Is he a diversity lottery guy, or is there some special class of visas for grossly obese religious freaks from Third World African hell holes? If he wants to poison his followers with snail snot, he should go back to Africa to do it. How is this pagan guy making our country better or stronger? Answer: he is not. He and his ilk should be sent home. Our immigration regs desperately need to be re-written.
Disgusting and strange, but...religious?
L’escargot, c’est grande.
A really fullbodied Red would be needed.
“Meow” - Gary
And everybody thought there were problems with pythons in the Everglades ... wait till these things get loose.
Opps, I see now, he's clergy, not a physician.
How about Al Gore?
Throw in some garlic butter and melt some blue cheese over the dish and I’m there!!
Man, you’ve got some of the coolest pix.
Sent the cooking weiners and schnauzer in a bun to my nephews.
Has Pope Francis commented on this yet?
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