Published February 21, 2013
Associated Press
A municipal pharmaceutical chemist shows a product called Spanish "Soil of death," one of many products seized from faith healers in Lima, Peru, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. City enforcement officials say the supposed elixirs confiscated in a raid are of dubious and unlicensed provenance and that shop owners will be prosecuted for public health crimes carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison. (AP Photo/Karel Navarro)The Associated Press
A miniature coffin containing a photo stuck with a pin sits among other products seized from faith healers in Lima, Peru, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. City enforcement officials say the supposed elixirs confiscated in a raid are of dubious and unlicensed provenance and that shop owners will be prosecuted for public health crimes carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison. One potion of note purported to protect "against damages and scares." Another was destined to "bring your rival to his knees." (AP Photo/Karel Navarro)The Associated Press
City officials display seized swords among other products confiscated from faith healers in Lima, Peru, Thursday, Feb. 21, 2013. City enforcement officials say the supposed elixirs confiscated in a raid are of dubious and unlicensed provenance and that shop owners will be prosecuted for public health crimes carrying penalties of up to 10 years in prison. One potion of note purported to protect "against damages and scares." Another was destined to "bring your rival to his knees." (AP Photo/Karel Navarro)The Associated Press
LIMA, Peru – Authorities in Peru's capital say they've seized a haul of potions and elixirs that are more likely to bring infections than love or money.
Lima enforcement official Alejandro Salas says the purported "magic" liquids confiscated Wednesday in a raid on eight shaman shops just blocks from the presidential palace are of dubious origin and unsanitary.
Health officials say some of the "eternal love potion" bottles, "anti-envy" powder packets and revenge brews contained fungus.
City pharmaceutical chemist Andrea Ochante says that rather than inspiring love, the concoctions are more likely to end up causing infections.
Salas says the shop owners will be prosecuted for public health crimes.
Officials also seized G-strings and other skimpy undergarments that shamans allegedly required female clients to wear in order to work their magic.
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