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Pre-Columbian Artifacts Found In South Florida

POSTED: Tuesday, July 8, 2008
UPDATED: 1:50 pm EDT July 8, 2008

Precious artifacts and jewels from before Christopher Columbus discovered America were uncovered in South Florida.

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According to federal authorities, more than 60 treasures including pre-Columbian pottery, gold and even a string of emeralds dating back to 500 B.C. were stolen from graves in Colombia and smuggled into the country illegally.

The items were first uncovered by federal agents during a smuggling bust in Broward County two years ago. An Italian national was arrested for smuggling some of the artifacts. He served 17 months in prison and was deported.

The treasures were displayed Tuesday in a rare press conference by the United States and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

The artifacts were returned to the Colombian government, where they will most likely be placed in a museum.
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