CAIRO: Egyptian customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of Pharaonic artifacts hidden in furniture at the coastal city of Dammietta, state news agency MENA reported on Thursday.
The agency quoted customs official Galal Aboul Fatouh as saying it was the largest smuggling bust in a decade, adding the priceless relics had been hidden in furniture and wood products destined for Spain.
The smugglers were arrested and the relics were handed over to Egypt s antiquities council, he added.
People often try to smuggle artifacts out of Egypt. Those caught could face up to 15 years in jail. -AFP
