Syrian Interior: Arrest of Smuggling and Sale Networks of Antiquities in Rural Damascus

The Syrian Ministry of Interior announced today, Tuesday, that the Criminal Investigation Branch in Rural Damascus has arrested several individuals involved in the sale and smuggling of valuable antiquities and coins, following a series of security raids.  

The ministry stated that the operation resulted in the detention of independent groups and the seizure of a number of rare gold coins, in addition to metal and stone statues and two rare gold pieces.  

According to preliminary investigations, the detainees confessed to engaging in illegal excavation of antiquities and smuggling them, and they have been referred to the competent judiciary to complete the legal procedures against them.  

The Interior Ministry confirmed that the Criminal Investigation Department continues to pursue these practices, which are considered crimes punishable by law, emphasizing that the goal is to protect national heritage and Syrian antiquities from tampering and smuggling.