Turkish authorities seize over 7,000 historical artifacts at border crossings

Customs enforcement teams under the Ministry of Trade have seized 7,160 cultural artifacts during two separate operations at the İpsala and Kapıkule border gates in Edirne, Turkey.

In the first operation at the İpsala border crossing, officials inspected a truck heading toward Greece. Following an X-ray scan that revealed suspicious densities, a detailed search of the vehicle's trailer uncovered 5,935 items hidden inside a food and supply cabinet. These items included 5,685 coins, 130 arrowheads, 100 rings, and 20 various accessories.

The second operation took place at the Kapıkule border crossing. After being directed to an X-ray scan due to suspicion, another truck was searched, leading to the discovery of 1,225 undeclared coins.

Authorities have confiscated all seized cultural assets, and judicial investigations have been launched by the relevant chief public prosecutor's offices regarding both smuggling attempts.