Thieves steal $3 million in gold and platinum in Colombia

A boy stands behind a sign that says “We buy gold and platinum” in downtown Tado Choco department, Colombia on July 8, 2010. AFP FILE PHOTO

BOGOTA – Gunmen, including three in police uniform, stole $3 million in gold and platinum on Wednesday from a warehouse in Medellin, northwestern Colombia, police said.

A crew of eight men overpowered security guards and fled with the loot in a car and motorcycles, all of which bore police markings.

The precious metals were in the warehouse awaiting shipment to the United States, regional police commander Jose Angel Mendoza said.