In Bridgeport, there are a lot more questions than answers after a routine drug bust revealed there was *much more* happening inside the home than the narcotics squad was investigating.
Police call 230 Madison Avenue a hub of drug activity.
So the raid planned on June 8th, Monday night wasn't too unusual... until police saw what was in the basement: a human skull, an alligator head and a chicken that had been cut and drained-- it's blood spattered on the walls.
"I've never seen anything like this," said Sgt. William Bailey with the Bridgeport Tactical Narcotics Team. "and I've been doing this a very, very long time."
"I told them I did not want to disrespect their religion, but I have a job to do." Bailey said. "I had to seize the evidence."
Police think the suspects may be practicing Santeria: a cultural religious blend that has its roots in Catholicism, African and Cuban traditions.
"There are a lot of people here who practice sorcery and Santeria," Neighbor Jose Ruiz says. "but I don't think it's bad," Ruiz says.
And Dr. Leslie Desmangles, a professor of religion and international studies at Trinity University, agrees.
Dr. Desmangles believes the basement relics may have been part of protection spell: protection from police, or perhaps rival drug gangs.
"in Santeria, sacrifices are to appease the spirits, or it could be a protection spell against illness."
"having a human skull isn't that unusual. It is said to keep the spirit of the dead alive." Dr. Desmangles said. "it's not to do anything bad, but actually shows a great deal of respect."
Whatever the reason, police say they had no choice. They had to seize the evidence-- and they will have to find out where the skull came from.
"It was crazy," Sgt Bailey said. "We went looking for drugs... And found this. It really took us off guard."
Police call 230 Madison Avenue a hub of drug activity.
So the raid planned on June 8th, Monday night wasn't too unusual... until police saw what was in the basement: a human skull, an alligator head and a chicken that had been cut and drained-- it's blood spattered on the walls.
"I've never seen anything like this," said Sgt. William Bailey with the Bridgeport Tactical Narcotics Team. "and I've been doing this a very, very long time."
"I told them I did not want to disrespect their religion, but I have a job to do." Bailey said. "I had to seize the evidence."
Police think the suspects may be practicing Santeria: a cultural religious blend that has its roots in Catholicism, African and Cuban traditions.
"There are a lot of people here who practice sorcery and Santeria," Neighbor Jose Ruiz says. "but I don't think it's bad," Ruiz says.
And Dr. Leslie Desmangles, a professor of religion and international studies at Trinity University, agrees.
Dr. Desmangles believes the basement relics may have been part of protection spell: protection from police, or perhaps rival drug gangs.
"in Santeria, sacrifices are to appease the spirits, or it could be a protection spell against illness."
"having a human skull isn't that unusual. It is said to keep the spirit of the dead alive." Dr. Desmangles said. "it's not to do anything bad, but actually shows a great deal of respect."
Whatever the reason, police say they had no choice. They had to seize the evidence-- and they will have to find out where the skull came from.
"It was crazy," Sgt Bailey said. "We went looking for drugs... And found this. It really took us off guard."
