Turkey: 866 artifacts seized in anti-smuggling raids

DIYARBAKIR / ARDAHAN / BURSA, Turkey

At least 866 historical artifacts were seized in anti-smuggling operations across Turkey on Friday.

Gendarmes detained five people in the Cinar district of southeastern Diyarbakir province who were trying to sell the artifacts. During a raid, 160 artifacts, including coins, rings and spearheads, were recovered and transferred to the provincial museum directorate.

In the northeastern province of Ardahan, 515 artifacts were seized by gendarmes from a vehicle stopped on the motorway. The driver of the vehicle was arrested.

In the northwestern Bursa province, 191 artifacts from Hellenistic and Medieval Ages were confiscated. At least five people were arrested by gendarmes over the smuggling attempt.