Police have achieved a breakthrough in the search for the Haida art pieces which went missing from a museum at the University of British Columbia on May 24.
RCMP Const. Annie Linteau said Monday some of the 12 stolen items were seized as search warrants were executed in B.C.'s Lower Mainland area, but she didn't say how many.
"I can say that we've recovered artwork in relation to this investigation. We have instituted search warrants within the Lower Mainland and, as a result of that, have recovered some of the pieces,'' Linteau told The Canadian Press on Monday.
The admission came after police surrounded a house in Burnaby, B.C.'s Metrotown area Sunday. After raiding a dilapidated house in New Westminster, police took a man into custody, but did not say whether or not he is connected to the investigation.
"It's a good story and we are very pleased,'' Linteau said.
News of the breakthrough comes two weeks after several pieces of gold jewelry -- including 12 necklaces and bracelets from Canadian Haida artist Bill Reid's collection -- were stolen from the University of B.C.'s Museum of Anthropology.
Also stolen, were three ancient Mexican Inca gold and metal necklaces, said UBC spokesman Scott Macrae.
Linteau said the investigation is continuing and details will be revealed soon.
The theft of the Haida art prompted the RCMP to contact Interpol. The university and the museum have jointly offered a $50,000 reward for the return of the pieces, which are worth about two million dollars.
With files from The Canadian Press
