Major antiquities trafficking bust in Bingol yields over 700 historical artifacts

Bingol’s Gendarmerie teams have successfully recovered 734 artifacts, including ancient coins and rings, in a Solhan district operation, thwarting a major smuggling attempt

Bingol’s Gendarmerie teams have recovered 734 historical artifacts in the district of Solhan.

The Bingol Governor’s Office officials announced, “The Gendarmerie Command’s Anti-Smuggling and Organized Crime Branch successfully intercepted a vehicle suspected of carrying illegal artifacts.”

Authorities found a significant collection of ancient items in this vehicle, including 717 coins, six rings, eight figurines, and two other objects, all presumed to have historical importance.

It is rare to seize such a vast number of artifacts in a single operation, and this marks a major accomplishment in preserving Türkiye’s rich historical legacy.

“Two suspects involved in the smuggling were detained during the operation,” the Governor’s Office stated.

This successful operation in Solhan is part of the ongoing efforts of local law enforcement to combat the illegal trade of historical artifacts.

The investigation into the origins and age of the seized artifacts is still underway.

Source: Newsroom