Authorities foil attempt to smuggle ancient Egyptian artefacts at Safaga port

Nevine El-Aref , Wednesday 10 Nov 2021

The archaeological unit at Safaga maritime port foiled an attempt earlier this week to smuggle 16 ancient Egyptian artefacts, Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities announced.

The archaeological committee at the port examined the seized collection and confirmed they are ancient Egyptian, Mostafa Waziri, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, said in a statement on Wednesday.

The artefacts include bronze and wooden statues, a funerary cone inscribed with hieroglyphics, remains of cartonnage funerary masks, and amulets made of faience and gilded wood.

Authorities are investigating to determine who was behind the smuggling attempt.