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Turkish authorities have intercepted 7,550 ancient coins and figurines intended for illegal export to Italy, in a significant operation aimed at protecting the nation’s cultural heritage.
The seizure occurred at Cesme Port in Izmir, where customs protection teams from the Ministry of Trade identified a suspicious shipment during routine risk analysis checks. An X‑ray inspection revealed concealed artefacts within legally declared cargo, prompting a detailed search that uncovered 15 packages containing the historical items.
The recovered objects, comprising coins and figurines from various historical periods, were prevented from leaving the country and will be examined and preserved by relevant authorities.
A criminal investigation has been launched by the Cesme Public Prosecutor’s Office to identify those responsible and to further trace the smuggling network.
Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy praised the operation, noting that it not only secured valuable artefacts but also provided new intelligence on international smuggling routes.
In a statement shared on social media, Minister Ersoy emphasized that while the return of looted cultural heritage from abroad is always welcome, the primary effort to protect these assets begins domestically, through the coordinated work of museums, law enforcement, judiciary, and customs officials.
Minister Ersoy extended his gratitude to Trade Minister Omer Bolat and the customs protection teams involved, highlighting their role in safeguarding Türkiye’s cultural heritage and preventing the illicit transfer of historical items abroad.
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