IFP Exclusive

Ancient Artefacts Seized from Smugglers in Southern Iran

An Iranian official says a number of antiquities belonging to the third millennium BCE have been discovered and reclaimed in southern Iran in an anti-smuggling operation.

Prosecutor General of Jiroft, Hossein Salami, told IRNA that after carrying out a series of intelligence operations by the IRGC forces of Kerman Province, it was revealed that smugglers were determined to traffic an invaluable cargo of antiques.

When the Prosecutor’s Office was informed about it, he added, the issue was put high on the agenda, and a team of the IRGC intelligence forces was deployed to the region.

“In this operation, 14 antique objects dating back to the third millennium BCE were discovered and seized, and smugglers of antique objects escaped to the mountains.”

He underlined that among the objects discovered things such as a crescent blade, a bronze plaque, a bronze ring, a three-part metal object, a stone button, and a conical metal object could be seen.

The discovery of such historical objects in the city of Jiroft reveals the ancient civilization, culture, and history of the region, and the protection of this historical heritage is necessary for everyone, added Salami.

He further mentioned that this is the third discovery of antique relics in the past few weeks in the city of Jiroft adding that so far, a total of 28 pieces of such relics have been seized.

Meanwhile, the Intelligence office of Khuzestan province announced the discovery of 908 antique items in the province.

After four months of investigation, a collection of 81 types of antiques including historical coins, bayonets, stitching awls, candlesticks, armbands, bracelets, gold, silver and iron rings, daggers, maces, dishes, and weapons were seized.

Cultural heritage experts say the objects belong to the Sassanid, Elamites, Islamic, Achaemenids, first millennium BCE and Qajar periods.

The smugglers were supposed to transfer the antiques to a European country, and so far a few of them have been arrested.

IFP Editorial Staff

The IFP Editorial Staff is composed of dozens of skilled journalists, news-writers, and analysts whose works are edited and published by experienced editors specialized in Iran News. The editor of each IFP Service is responsible for the report published by the Iran Front Page (IFP) news website, and can be contacted through the ways mentioned in the "IFP Editorial Staff" section.

Recent Posts

Unscheduled visit by Qatari prime minister to Tehran sparks speculation

Reports emerged by Iranian daily Donya-e Eqtesad suggest that the Qatari Prime Minister and Minister…

9 hours ago

ICC issues arrest warrant for Netanyahu, Gallant for ‘war crimes’ in Gaza

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu,…

9 hours ago

Iran to respond to Europe’s “non-technical” move: Foreign Minister

As France, Germany, and the United Kingdom submit an anti-Iran draft resolution to the International…

10 hours ago

President Pezeshkian criticizes western hypocrisy on human rights

During his visit to Sistan and Baluchestan province, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered sharp criticism…

10 hours ago

Nearly 90 killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza

Israel has unleashed a series of air attacks on the Gaza Strip that killed nearly…

11 hours ago

Anti-Iran human rights resolution at UNGA politically-motivated: Spokesman

Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has censured as politically-motivated and unjustified the adoption of a…

11 hours ago