Egypt stops artifact smuggler from evacuating pieces of history

The Associated Press

February 27, 2012

CAIRO — Egyptian security officials say they have thwarted an attempt by a British man and his wife to smuggle 19 artifacts out of the country.

Police say the couple were stopped in Luxor International Airport on Sunday with pieces in their luggage ranging from Pharonic statues and pottery to a Greco-Roman bronze coin.

Security officials spoke on condition of anonymity in line with police rules. Security around the country has deteriorated since last year’s uprising when several pieces went missing from the Egyptian museum.

For centuries, Egyptian antiquities have been looted from the country, but authorities are demanding key pieces be returned.

The Daily Texan

The Daily Texan

The Daily Texan

Egypt stops artifact smuggler from evacuating pieces of history

The Daily Texan