Dubai seizes haul of smuggled ancient artefacts

Customs officials in Dubai have foiled a bid to smuggle 128 ancient artefacts from around the Middle East, some dating back as far as 3,000 BC. The haul, discovered aboard a vessel arriving in the Gulf Arab trade and tourism hub, included stone...

Customs officials in Dubai have foiled a bid to smuggle 128 ancient artefacts from around the Middle East, some dating back as far as 3,000 BC.

The haul, discovered aboard a vessel arriving in the Gulf Arab trade and tourism hub, included stone sculptures, pottery, jewellery and gold and silver coins, Dubai Customs said in a statement.

The antiquities will be held at a secure location until they can be handed over to the correct authorities, Dubai Customs said.

Dubai, a member of the United Arab Emirates federation, is a busy trade hub that is home to a large expatriate population.

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