San Pedrano busted with load of Mayan artifacts

Last week we reported on a theft of Maya artifacts from the visitor’s centre at the Cahal Pech Maya site. A total of 19 pieces were stolen, mostly jade, and the haul was valued at around a half million Belize dollars. Three men are in custody for the crime, a fourth is being sought and about half the loot has been recovered by police. But tonight we report on another bust for Mayan artifacts–this time in San Pedro–and if it’s quantity that we’re talking about, then this one is major league. This morning police raided a house on Almond Street on La Isla Bonita and arrested 52-year old Cesario Rivero. Rivero, owner of the Thunderbolt series of tour boats, has been charged with possession of antiquities without a license. When police entered a storeroom on his property they discovered a total of 520 ancient pieces ranging from small decorative objects to large clay pots. Rivero reportedly told police that he was planning to open a museum. This afternoon Rivero and his collection were transported by a BDF aircraft to Belize City where he was questioned by authorities. The artifacts are being inspected by officers from the Archaeology Department.