By Laura Sharkey
Colombian police last week discovered more than 800 archeological artifacts in the La Cruz municipality of Nariño Department, and three people were subsequently arrested in connection with trading the pieces nationally and internationally.
According to reports, three people, all from the same family, were detained after having been found illegally identifying the archaeological artifacts and selling them on to foreigners, collectors, and even tourists.
An official source stated that the pieces were traded within European and Latin American countries in order to attract a higher selling price.
Currently, no other information has been released about the pieces found or their cultural heritage.
But media reports said the gang of looters discovered what is thought to be dozens of Pre-Colombian relics, pottery fragments and pieces of art, and began digging in the area looking for more of the priceless treasure.
