ISLAMABAD: The Model Customs Collectorate has foiled an attempt to smuggle antique items at Benazir Bhutto International Airport and seized 11 artifacts worth millions of rupees.
Islamabad Air Freight Unit (AFU) Additional Collector Khawaja Naeem told Customs Today that a passenger, who was coming from Thailand, was intercepted by the officials on suspicions. They checked his luggage and recovered 21 antique pieces, including Buddha statues, vases, pots and other statues.
The recovered antiques were sent to the Archeology Department for examination. The director general of Archeology and Museum Islamabad confirmed that 10 pieces out of 21 were fake, while remaining were antiques as defined under Section 2 (b) and (c) of the Antiquities Act, 1975
Meanwhile, Islamabad Customs Collector Dr Arslan Subuctageen has lauded the performance of customs staff deputed at Islamabad airport.
Additional Collector Khawaja Naeem said that case has been lodged against the accused person, while further investigation was underway, he added.
