In a new achievement added to the Egyptian Heritage Protection Register, the General Directorate of Nuweiba Customs, in cooperation with the Customs Security Department and the Criminal Investigation Department, managed to thwart a huge smuggling attempt that included 2189 antiquities valued at about 3.5 billion Egyptian pounds. The operation took place at the Nuweiba seaport, following a suspicion of the presence of illegal items inside a truck driven by a foreigner that was on its way to leave the country.
اضافة اعلان
A diverse archaeological treasure dating back to different historical eras has been uncovered, including the Ancient Egyptian, Greco-Roman and Middle Kingdoms, Middle Kingdoms and Late Kingdoms. The seizures ranged from statues and amulets of ancient Egyptian gods such as Hathor and Horus, and the famous key to life "Ankh", in addition to antique jewelry such as rings, brooches and earrings. Quantities of coins of various sizes and shapes, a range of ancient tools such as a kohl mill and ankles, as well as pieces made of alabaster, pottery, bronze, wood and rare stone materials were also seized.
The specialized archaeological committee that examined the seizures confirmed that they all date back to different historical eras, which increases their importance and cultural value, and at the same time reveals systematic attempts to smuggle part of the Egyptian heritage abroad. This operation reflects the relentless efforts made by the Egyptian state to preserve its antiquities from smuggling and illegal trafficking, especially in light of the global demand for original antiquities and the heritage and scientific value they represent.
This incident comes as a reminder of the danger of antiquities smuggling networks that seek to steal people's memory and cultural identity, at a time when Egypt is tightening its measures at border crossings and intensifying control over export and shipping operations, especially those passing through remote seaports such as Nuweiba.
In conclusion, this security and customs achievement is an important step in the path of protecting Egyptian cultural treasures from smuggling and loss and emphasizes the need for continued coordination between the concerned authorities to secure the national heritage from attempts to infiltrate and tamper. Every artifact recovered is a page of history that returns to tell the story of Egypt to the world.
