This is the Indiana Jones moment antiquities police unearth a priceless Roman-era sarcophagus stolen by tomb raiders and about to be sold by a trafficker.

The ornately decorated, child-sized casket was seized in Amasya, in northern Turkey's Black Sea Region, from the back of a white van driven by a 51-year-old suspect following a four-month investigation.

Its richly carved surface shows a chariot and snakes, believed to be a reference to the ancient Greek myth of Medea from Jason and the Argonauts.

In the story, the vengeful princess poisoned her children and then fled on her chariot drawn by flying snakes.

Video footage from the Amasya Provincial Gendarmerie Command Anti-Smuggling and Organised Crime obtained on 30th April shows the casket covered in blankets and cushions as officers march over to the van and open it, revealing the artefact inside.

Police seize mini sarcophagus thought to date back to the Roman Period in Amasya, Turkey, undated. One person was detained. Note: Photo is a screenshot from a video. (@AmasyaValiligi/Newsflash/NX)

Local media named the suspect, who was arrested, only as N. A., who is facing charges under Turkey's Protection of Cultural and Natural Assets law.

The priceless sarcophagus was handed over to the Amasya Museum Directorate.

(Joseph Golder/newsX)