TEHRAN – In an effort to protect Kerman’s cultural heritage, local authorities have arrested two individuals involved in illegal excavations in southern Iran and seized 140 historical artifacts including coins and pottery pieces.

Two individuals have been arrested for their involvement in illegal excavations at the heights of Jopar in Kerman province, IRNA reported.

The police force traced the culprits following a report from honorary heritage guards in the city of Mahan, said a local official in charge of cultural heritage preservation.

Moslem Iranmanesh further highlighted that the operation led to the discovery of a significant cache of historical artifacts.

“A judicial order was obtained to enter the suspects’ residence,” he stated. “This search resulted in the recovery of more than 140 pieces of historical significance.”

The seized items, Iranmanesh added, were meticulously examined by experts from the provincial office.

“The recovered relics feature nine historical coins dating from the early to mid-Islamic periods, the Qajar era, and the Pahlavi epoch,” the official elaborated.

“Additionally, the collection contains four ceramic pots and vessels from prehistoric and Islamic periods, a bronze bell from the later Islamic era, several metal rings and bracelets from the Islamic period, and 121 intricately carved beads.”

Furthermore, Iranmanesh highlighted the effective collaboration between judicial authorities, police forces, and honorary heritage guards, which significantly enhances the cultural heritage preservation unit’s ability to fulfill its missions.

XF/AM