By Black Powder | Red Power Media

Oregon State Police have seized dozens of Native American artifacts, some more than 5,000 years old, that were collected illegally and likely bound for the black market.

Police reported Monday that Detectives served a search warrant late last week, in Klamath County, on the home of 46-year-old Douglas Cotallese, a suspected Native American artifacts dealer.

The search and seizure reportedly followed a seven-month investigation into the theft, possession and sale of archeological artifacts. Among the items seized were articles used during Native American funeral ceremonies and other items of cultural significance.

Oregon State Police investigators made the case with the help of Klamath Tribes, the U.S. Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Police reported that an extended drought in the Klamath Basin has exposed archeological sites normally concealed by water.

Police also seized methamphetamine, scales, packaging materials and other drug paraphernalia items.

State police referred the case to the Klamath County District Attorney’s office, who said they could not comment on the case or any pending charges.

Oregon law forbids the removal of archaeological objects on public or private lands without a permit.