TEHRAN - Iranian police forces have recently confiscated 1,956 historical relics from local and international smugglers at Imam Khomeini Airport in Tehran.

The seizure was made just before they were able to leave the country, according to the commander of the Protection Unit of Iran’s Cultural Heritage, Tourism, and Handicrafts Ministry.

In a statement reported by Mehr news agency, Brigadier General Hassan Mehri revealed that the discovery was the result of intelligence operations indicating that two international smugglers were involved in the illegal purchase and sale of antiquities in Tehran.

Upon verifying the information, the Heritage Protection Unit swiftly launched an investigation, the commander noted.

“An expert team was assembled, and with the coordination of the judiciary and airport police, officers conducted a search of the smugglers’ luggage,” said Mehri.

The operation led to the seizure of 1,956 artifacts, including valuable and semi-precious stone beads made from agate and glass paste, which were hidden in the smugglers’ suitcases.

According to Mehri, experts from the Cultural Heritage Ministry have assessed the confiscated items, determining that they date back to various historical periods and hold significant cultural value.

Six suspects were arrested in connection with the case and have been handed over to judicial authorities for further legal proceedings.

This seizure underscores the ongoing efforts by Iranian authorities to combat the smuggling of the nation’s cultural heritage, the report said.

AM