2,300 years old Panama treasures for sale on internet

Panamanian archeological treasures dating back as far as 300 BC have been recovered after appearing in an internet auction.

The National National Cultural and Heritage Institute (INAC),  recovered 155 pieces with an approximate value of $200,000 on the black market, said Sandra  Cerrud, director of Heritage.

The case has been submitted to the Deputy Attorney General's Office, which is investigating three women in whose in Panama city home  the items were found during a raid.

Two of the women are Panamanian and one is Colombian.

Anthropologist Yamitzel Gutierrez said it is difficult to specify the year of the huaquería objects, but the painting and designs belong to anthropological regions of Gran Cocle and Gran Chiriqui.
There are pieces dating from 300 BC and a 1,100 AD experts say.
Ruben Henriquez, head of INAC’s Patrimonial Assets Control recommended citizens not to purchase historical items like these as they will face penalties of five to seven years in jail .