A raid on a chop shop turned up more than stolen auto parts; officers found an artifact that is believed to be 1,000-years-old.

Police say during a raid last month, 28-year-old Thomas Fenzl was arrested and charged with stealing a motorcycle, altering the VIN number, as well as having a lot drugs on the property.

UNM archeology officials say the piece of pottery came from somewhere in the Four Corners area.

"With the assistance of the FBI, this piece of pottery came to the attention of detectives realizing that it didn't belong there. Nobody knew how it had gotten there or who it belonged to," said Albuquerque Police Chief Ray Schultz.

Detectives found the pot inside a cupboard of an R-V next to methamphetamine, crack cocaine, and marijuana.

Detective Timothy Fassler discovered the pot, and decided to turn it over to the University of New Mexico to see what he had found.

"I was thankful I didn't trip with it because I carried it around like it was just a regular pot at the time. I had no idea," said Fassler.

The mayor's Native American liaison says the find is invaluable to whichever tribe it belongs to.

"It's very important to understand what it was used for, who it was used by. The spiritual reflection on it is very sensitive and we have to make sure that we follow proper protocol," said Heather Townsend.

Until scientists can figure out where the pot came from, it will be held at the Albuquerque Museum.

Police have signed the custody of the pot over to the museum. Officials are still trying to figure out who the rightful owners are.