Surprise raid recovers priceless ancient artifacts being sold at Peru market
Peru officials, with the help of archaeologists, seized numerous priceless artifacts from a bustling market before they could be sold.
Eight cultural artifacts, including six ceramic jugs and two bottles, were recovered in a surprise operation at the Chiclayo Model Market in the Lambayeque, according to a June 11 news release from Peru’s Ministry of Culture.
Officials said they believe the pieces belong to the ancient pre-Hispanic Lambayeque, Chimú, and Chancay cultures.
The Lambayeque Department of Civil Protection were tipped off about the alleged sale of cultural property at various stalls at the market, officials said.
Two people were detained and placed in police custody for further investigation, officials said.
Crimes against Peru’s cultural heritage, such as the commercialization of pre-Hispanic cultural assets, are punishable by imprisonment of no less than three and no more than eight years, according to officials.
Chiclayo is about a 475-mile drive northwest from Lima.
Google Translate was used to translate the news release from Peru’s Ministry of Culture.
