TEHRAN – Iranian police have recovered 28 ancient bronze artifacts, more than 3,000 years ago, during a traffic stop in Kromallev, Zanjan province, local authorities said Monday.
According to the Ministry of Cultural Heritage, Tourism and Handicrafts, the object was found in a vehicle heading towards Tehran from the northwest border area. The operation was carried out jointly by the Criminal Investigation Police of Khorramdarreh and the State Heritage Protection Force.
The artifact was discovered during routine inspections of a Peugeot 405 vehicle on the main transit route. Officers suspected the vehicle and conducted a detailed search, said Col. Nasser Habivian, who oversees the local heritage protection department.
“A total of 28 bronze artifacts, believed to be over three thousand years ago, have been seized along with professionally hidden metal detectors,” Havivian said.
Authorities also arrested several suspects in connection with attempted smuggling. They were referred to the judicial authorities for further legal proceedings, Habivian said.
“The investigation of the case remains ongoing,” he added.
Police commanders said police and cultural heritage officers remain committed to preventing illegal trade in ancient times. “It is a national obligation to protect Iran’s cultural heritage,” he said.
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